US Ambassador to address business leaders

The US Ambassador will deliver a keynote address to senior business executives in Ireland today.

Thomas C Foley, whose diplomatic term is due to end early next year, will speak at the annual lunch hosted by the Institute of Directors in Ireland.

Established in 1980, the IDI’s 1,000 members include chief executives and chairs or directors of Irish firms or international subsidiaries.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheal Martin addressed the IDI lunch last year.

Last week Mr Foley hosted a one-day seminar on philanthropy at his south Co Dublin residence.

A Harvard graduate, the envoy was a successful businessman in the US before entering the diplomatic service.

He was sent to Iraq for six months in 2003 by President George Bush to help boost private sector development in the war-torn country.

Mr Foley’s three-year term as Ambassador in Ireland is expected to end in January when Mr Bush steps down and his successor is inaugurated.