Shannon Group’s new chairman steps down over Twitter controversy



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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.

Ryan had announced his appointment earlier on Tuesday.

In a phone conversation later Tuesday, Ryan indicated that Forde’s use of social media was “below the standard expected by a chairman of a state board.”

“This is an important moment for Shannon Group, which has to chart a path through the crisis caused by the pandemic and plan for its recovery. The Department of Transportation will work to appoint a new president as soon as possible, ”said a spokeswoman.

In his resignation letter, Forde said he wanted to “apologize without reservation” for the comments he made on Twitter.

He wrote to Mr. Ryan on Tuesday evening and said, “Beyond our conversation tonight, I have reflected on my position and have decided to step down from my appointment as Chairman of Shannon Group Plc.

“I want to unreservedly apologize for the comments I made on Twitter that have become the subject of attention. The language used in a particular Tweet was incorrect, insensitive, and unnecessary. I’m really sorry.”

He said he wanted to “apologize to people in the travel community.”

He added that he also wanted to “personally apologize to you and your government colleagues for the inconvenience and distraction this has caused at a crucial time for the country.”

“Throughout my more than 30-year career to date, I have always strived to contribute professionally and thoughtfully in everything I do. As those who know me best will 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 ”.

Forde’s Twitter account was deleted on Tuesday.

Hours earlier, the government announced the appointment of Mr. Forde as the new chairman of the Shannon Group, responsible for the Midwest airport, a real estate business and tourist attractions, including Bunratty Castle in Co Clare.

He expected to formally assume the five-year appointment after appearing before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport Networks and Communications.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has announced that he will not proceed with the appointment of Aaron Forde as Chairman of the Shannon Group.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has announced that he will not proceed with the appointment of Aaron Forde as Chairman of the Shannon Group.

The Department had said that “Mr. Forde has a high level track record with international leadership experience gained in Ireland and the UK. “

Forde was CEO of Aurivo, the cooperatively owned manufacturer of Donegal Creameries Milk and Connacht Gold, for 16 years until 2019. He was president of Ornua, better known for Kerrygold butter, from 2013 to 2019, as well as the Sligo Economic Forum and the external advisory council of the Sligo Institute of Technology.

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