Former Jury's man new IHF president

The Irish Hotels Federation has elected the general manager of Jurys Ballsbridge and the Towers Hotel, Dick Bourke as its new president.

He becomes the 30th President of the federation and will retain office for two years.

Previously Bourke was a board member of CERT (now Fáilte Ireland), Chairman of Young Enterprise Ireland, and a Board member of Junior Achievement/Young Enterprise Ireland.

He was also a former President of Cork Chamber of Commerce (1994-1995) and Director of Cork / Kerry Tourism (1990-1994).

The IHF represents almost 1,000 hotel and guesthouses nationwide, employing over 57,000 people.

A native of Tipperary, Bourke said today : "I am honoured to have been elected President of the Irish Hotels' Federation.

"The Federation is widely respected by business and Government as one of the most professional, representative organisations in the country and I relish the opportunity the members have given me, to serve in the interest of our industry," he added.