Leader of Fianna Fáil and Spokesperson on Northern Ireland, Micheál Martin, TD, will present a talk entitled ‘Lessons in Leadership' this evening as part of the RCSI Institute of Leadership Lecture Series.

The lecture will be delivered to approximately 100 health professionals at 6pm at RCSI, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin.

Martin's lecture will examine how strong leadership has delivered positive change in public health in the past and will explore the importance of individual leadership in challenges that may arise in the next decade.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin commented, "I am looking forward to addressing RCSI on the theme of leadership. At a time when public confidence in the ability of politics to deliver positive change is at an all-time low, it is important to examine and understand what strong leadership has delivered in the past, and can deliver again. I hope to reflect on major advances in public health over the history of the Republic, look at the role of individual leadership in each of those advances and discuss what challenges we are likely to face in the coming decade."

Mr Dermot O'Flynn, Director of the Professional Development at the RCSI Institute of Leadership, said: "We are delighted to welcome one of Ireland's most experienced politicians, Micheál Martin, to deliver this evening's 'Lessons in Leadership' lecture. As current Leader of the Opposition and with a wealth of Ministerial experience in challenging portfolios including both Health and Education, we look forward to hearing his insights into the importance of strong leadership, which has shaped Ireland's past and provides us with valuable lessons for the future."

Since entering national politics in 1989 the Cork South Central TD has served on the Fianna Fáil front bench and in four cabinet posts: Minister for Foreign Affairs (2008-January 2011), Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (2004-2008), Minister for Health (2000-04) and Minister for Education (1997-2000). Micheál was elected to his the position of Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil in January 2011 and is currently Leader of the Opposition.

The RCSI Institute of Leadership is Ireland's only third level institution dedicated exclusively to developing the leadership and management capacity of health professionals. While the Institute is an academic institution, it maintains close connections with the world of healthcare delivery. Its programmes are characterised by flexibility, speed of response, customer service and a blended learning approach that allows students to learn while continuing to work. The Institute has campuses in Dublin, Bahrain and Dubai and it also deliver programmes in Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Sub-Saharan Africa.