New chief for international think tank

A new executive director has been appointed to CIIR (Catholic Institute for International Relations). Christine Allen takes up the post when the current director Ian Linden retires in June. She is currently public affairs manager at the National Housing Federation. Prior to that she co-ordinated the education department at the Catholic Housing Aid Society (CHAS) in a campaigning role. She has also worked for CAFOD. In the early 1980s Christine worked with the Liverpool Justice and Peace Commission where she developed her interest in international development and the work of CIIR. "I was privileged to meet people from overseas, hosted by CIIR, who came to visit community groups in Liverpool. These people really wowed me. Exchanging views face to face made international relations seem so real and it gave me and I think them a different insight into our situation." she said. "CIIR has a huge reputation and so much to offer. I want to get CIIR more widely known and better understood. I want to build on its strengths and work with everyone to create an organisation that does what CIIR has always done best- build strong partnerships that address the root causes of poverty and injustice." Ian Linden held the post for 15 years and Christine says he will be a hard act to follow. Ian said he was delighted with the appointment. He said: "CIIR is getting the director it needs to take the organisation forward at a time when it is more important than ever to focus on the roots of poverty and to make sure the voices of our southern partners are heard loud and clear."