Chambers Ireland has elected Margaret Considine as its new President at their AGM in Dublin.
Considine, CEO and Founder of EQuita Consulting Ltd and former President of South Dublin Chamber, has been nominated to take over the prestigious presidency of Ireland’s largest business network.
Fiona Candon, Director of First Western Training Ltd and former President of Sligo Chamber, has served in the role since 2022.
Speaking after the announcement, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, Ian Talbot, said: “I’d like to offer my congratulations and best wishes to Margaret on her election as President.
“Margaret has been a great advocate for the Chamber network as a member of the Board and a former President of South Dublin Chamber.
“As we await the announcement of the next general election, we are at a pivotal point in Irish politics that will require a strong voice to lead and represent our network of 37 affiliated Chambers and the 8,500 businesses they represent right across the country.
“I have no doubt that Margaret will bring her passion, experience and vision for our community to be a champion for businesses across the country and will support our organisation to thrive over the coming term.”
After her election, Considine said: “I am delighted to take up the position of President of Chambers Ireland.
“It is both an immense privilege and an enormous opportunity to lead such a diverse and dynamic business representative organisation that can trace its history back over one hundred years.
“In the coming term, my focus will be on building upon the solid foundation laid by my predecessors and ensuring that our collective voice is heard on the key issues that matter most to our members.
“Given the numerous economic challenges and opportunities on the horizon, along with an impending new Government, it is crucial that we act decisively to support our members and champion their interests.”
In commending outgoing President, Fiona Candon, Talbot said: “On behalf of Chambers Ireland, I’d also like to extend my deepest gratitude to Fiona Candon for her outstanding leadership and dedicated service over the past two years as President.
“Under Fiona’s stewardship, we celebrated a milestone occasion in the history of Chambers Ireland, our centenary celebrations that took place last year in Dublin Castle.
“Fiona has been unwavering in her support for the organisation and, under her leadership, we have seen Chambers Ireland continue to grow and progress, all while fostering a spirit of collaboration and inclusivity.”
Talbot also congratulated Natalie McGuinness on being elected as Deputy President, as well as the incoming new Directors on the Board.
This includes four Chief Executives from the Chamber Network – Jenny Beresford from Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, Toni Forrester from Letterkenny Chamber, John Hurley from Kilkenny Chamber and Paula Roche from County Wexford Chamber – and four business representatives – Kevin Smith, Paula Carney-Hoffler, Marilyn Gaughan Reddan and Vincent Harrison.
Photo: L to R is Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland; Fiona Candon, outgoing President; and Margaret Considine, newly elected President