Jack McConnell Former First Minister of Scotland & Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP MLA
Evolve – Northern Ireland’s new public policy forum got off to a flying start with its first event in the Ulster Hall yesterday. The sell-out event, which including public, private, not-for profit and education sector, heard keynote speaker Jack McConnell deliver an engaging presentation on the experience of devolution in Scotland and how the administration coped with challenges over the past decade.
Delegates at the event also witnessed one of the most significant political speeches in recent years when the First Minister Peter Robinson outlined a radical new vision of how devolution could operate in Northern Ireland.
Belfast’s First Citizen, Lord Mayor Cllr Naomi Long MLA welcomed those attending expressing her delight that the Ulster Hall was regaining its proud heritage of being one of the ‘crucibles of political debate’ following its restoration in recent years.
Powered by Stakeholder, one of Northern Ireland’s leading public affairs companies, Evolve’s role is to spark debate between Government, business and academia, and provide a platform for both public and private discussion.
Tom Kelly, CEO of Stakeholder Communications, said: “We were encouraged by success of the first ‘Evolve’ event. The levels of engagement between speakers and delegates proved the need for a new vehicle between government and citizens, both private and corporate. I would like to express our thanks to our three speakers, Jack McConnell MSP, First Minister Peter Robinson MP, and The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Naomi Long MLA as well as the sponsor for the first seminar, Steria.
Evolve will run a series of seminars throughout the year to discuss how devolution has evolved to the present day, how it operates now and how it may change in the future. As well as wider constitutional issues, Evolve will also discuss local government, the economy, arts and culture, health, education and constitutional affairs.
Outlining his vision for Evolve’s future Tom Kelly said: “It is our hope that Evolve will develop a life of its own and discussions are already at an advanced stage with a number of exciting speakers.”
To view more images from this event, please got to the gallery section of this site.