Enda Kenny joins fellow Mayo natives leading national legal initiative
Former Taoiseach and Mayo native Enda Kenny has been appointed Chairperson of Ireland for Law – a government initiative established in 2019 to promote the country as a leading centre for international legal services.
His appointment was announced at a meeting of the Ireland for Law implementation group, which includes fellow Mayo natives Rosemarie J. Loftus, President of the Law Society, and Mark Garrett, Director of the Law Society.
Mr. Kenny, who represented the Mayo constituency as a Teachta Dála (TD) from 1975 to 2020, is one of the longest-serving members in the history of Dáil Éireann. He became Fine Gael party leader in 2002 and was elected Taoiseach in 2011, standing down from this role in 2017.
During his tenure, he played a central role in Ireland’s economic recovery following the financial crisis and in securing key provisions for Ireland during the Brexit negotiations. At the time of his departure from office, Ireland had one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe.
Speaking about his appointment, which he is taking up in a voluntary capacity, Mr. Kenny said: “I am honoured to take up the role of Chair for Ireland for Law. Our legal system is a core national asset, recognised globally for its independence, efficiency and the exceptional skills of our courts, judiciary, solicitors and barristers. Adding over €6.7 billion to our economy annually, and supporting 52,000 jobs across the country, the legal sector is a vital engine of our economy.
“A trusted legal framework is essential to Ireland’s global competitiveness. It provides the certainty and expertise necessary to enable investment across our most high-value industries, from finance and technology to life sciences and aviation.
“Strengthening these sectors is not just about current economic stability, but about securing Ireland’s competitiveness and ensuring that our young people have world-class career opportunities right here at home. I look forward to working with the sector to further promote Ireland’s standing as a world-class jurisdiction for international legal services."
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, said of the announcement: “We are delighted to welcome former Taoiseach Enda Kenny as Chairperson of Ireland for Law. Mr. Kenny’s extensive experience on the global stage will further strengthen the initiatives facilitated by Ireland for Law and provide key platforms to showcase Ireland’s legal expertise, deepen relationships with international partners, and promote the state as a premier destination for dispute resolution and cross-border legal services.”
The Ireland for Law implementation group membership includes the Attorney General of Ireland, the President of the High Court, and representatives from the Bar of Ireland, the Law Society of Ireland, and the Departments of Justice, Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. IDA Ireland is also a key partner in the initiative.
As chairperson, Mr. Kenny will support Ireland for Law’s upcoming programme of international engagements, including the annual Dublin International Disputes Week (DIDW), which will take place from October 19 to 23. Co-developed and delivered by 16 law firms based in Ireland alongside members of the Irish Bar Council and General Counsel, DIDW brings together leading voices from the global disputes community to explore the most complex and pressing issues in cross-border dispute resolution.