A brand new center for conflict intervention is to be established at Ireland's prestigious, Maynooth University.



Prime Minister Brian Cowen said the Kennedy Center for Conflict Intervention would be built in honour of the great Irish American politician, Senator Ted Kennedy.



The center will specialize in conflict resolution, mediation, leadership, and civic engagement. It will be the first of it's kind in Ireland.



Cowen praised Kennedy's commitment toward peace in Northern Ireland and said the center was in memory of his commitment to peace in Ireland.



“The initiative is also in recognition of the senator’s lifelong promotion of civic engagement and participation in the democratic process" said Cowen.



The first executive director of the center will be former general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Peter Cassells.



President of NUI Maynooth, Prof John Hughes, and Cowen met with Jean Kennedy Smith, Victoria Kennedy and other members of the Kennedy clan prior to yesterdays announcement.