Eamon Gilmore appointed as a peace envoy in Colombia

The former Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has been given a new role, as a peace envoy in Colombia.

The ex-Labour leader has been appointed by the EU's foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini.

Gilmore's new job will be to oversee the EU's role in supporting peace initiatives between the government, paramilitary groups and guerrilla forces.

In a statement this evening Ms Mogherini says Gilmore's direct involvement in the Northern Ireland peace process made him an ideal candidate.