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Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has announced that he will not proceed with the appointment of Aaron Forde as Chairman of the Shannon Group.
In a telephone conversation tonight, Ryan indicated that Forde’s use of social media was below the standard expected by a state board chairman.
“This is an important moment for Shannon Group, which has to chart a path through the crisis caused by the pandemic and plan for recovery.
“The Department of Transportation will work to appoint a new president as soon as possible,” the minister said.
In a letter to Minister Ryan, Aaron Forde said that he had reflected on his role and decided to withdraw his appointment as Chairman of Shannon Group Plc.
He wrote that he wanted to fully apologize for the comments he made on Twitter that have become the subject of attention.
“The language used in a particular Tweet was incorrect, insensitive and unnecessary. I am so sorry.”
He added that he wanted to apologize in particular to people in the travel community.
Forde said that throughout his 30-year career he has always sought to contribute in a professional and thoughtful way.
“As those who know me best attest, I am a passionate believer in the economic and social advancement of the country and in the important contribution that we can all make,” he said.
Earlier today, Mr. Forde had been appointed the new chairman of the Shannon Group board. He was to join the board for a period of five years.
Forde was CEO of Agribusiness Aurivo for 16 years until he resigned at the end of 2019.
He has prior board experience as chairman of Ornua from 2013-2019, the Sligo Economic Forum, IBEC, Mid-west radio and the External Advisory Council of the Sligo Institute of Technology.
He is also a director of several private companies and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
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