Liam Edwards – new RAI President
His appointment was announced at the RAI’s 46th AGM and Conference at Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo today.
Speaking at the event, Liam, 43, said the year ahead would undoubtedly pose challenges for the restaurant industry as the fallout from Brexit is felt, skills shortages persist and the cost of running establishments continues to rise.
“Through the RAI, I look forward to working with likeminded groups – the Irish Hotels Federation, the Licensed Vintners Association and Vintners Association of Ireland – who, like us, want to make Ireland’s hospitality and tourism industry the best it can be,” he told delegates, “For this to be successful, we we’ll need to work closely with government and I look forward to meetings with our ministers for tourism, health and education. Let’s bring what we know – that Ireland is a country rich with culinary skills, food knowledge and good eating – to a global stage. Why shouldn’t Ireland be a global player in the preparation and delivery of quality food?”
Liam is currently Chairperson of the Kinsale Good Food Circle and Council, a group established in 1971 by the town’s restaurant industry to promote its eateries and food standards nationally and internationally. Jim Edwards Bar and Restaurant is famous for its seafood dishes and has won numerous awards for its food and service.
