Hectic evening for Martin in Philadelphia

Despite having had a long day of travelling to Philadelphia, Kildare South Deputy Martin Heydon was plunged straight into a hectic schedule of events at the Democratic National Convention last evening, writes Brian Byrne.

As the Chairman of the FG parliamentary party, Martin is one of 400 international guests of the National Democratic Institute at their International Leaders Forum which is part of the overall convention.

The NDI describe themselves as a nonprofit, non partisan organisation working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, open and accountable Government.

His first event last evening was a reception in the Rosenbach Museum hosted by Madeline Albright, chair of the NDI and former US Secretary of State. This was followed by an event organised by the Irish Embassy, addressed by An Tainaiste, Frances Fitzgerald, then the Irish group moved on to the convention centre itself to hear the First Lady, Michelle Obama, open the Convention.

The Irish group includes An Tanaiste, Seanad leader Jerry Buttimer, and Meath TD Thomas Byrne attending on behalf of Fianna Fáil.