Carter's election body get €200,000 boost

The Government is to give €200,000 funding to a foundation run by former US president Jimmy Carter.

The Government is to give €200,000 funding to a foundation run by former US president Jimmy Carter.

The allocation from Irish Aid will support the Carter Centre to monitor elections in trouble spots around the world.

The contract will be signed at the annual Human Rights Forum event at Croke Park tomorrow.

Mr Carter, who won the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, today met with President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin.

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The 39th US president served one term in the White House from 1977-1981 and was succeeded by Ronald Reagan.

Mr Carter has since travelled extensively to monitor international elections, conduct peace negotiations and establish relief efforts.

Irish Aid said the funding will help the Carter Centre to carry out its work without having to wait for finance to be raised.

Irish Aid funded the Carter Centre by €50,000 in 2005 and €70,000 in 2006.

A spokesman added: "The Carter Centre is the only non-governmental organisation that Irish Aid supports in this area. This initiative is in line with our move to provide strategic funding multi-annual support for our key partners. The organisation is however, very reliant on former President Carter and his reputation."

Mr Carter was the 76th Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.