Former Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has been given a new international role - as the European Union peace envoy to Colombia.

The ex-Labour leader has been appointed by the EU's foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini, with his experience in Northern Ireland cited as making Gilmore suitable for working to resolve "one of the longest running and most murderous conflicts in the world".

Gilmore's new job will be to oversee the EU's role in supporting peace initiatives between the Colombian government, paramilitary groups and guerrilla forces.

The Colombian civil war is a multi-sided conflict that has raged in various forms since 1964, killing thousands and displacing millions -  with each group in the conflict accused of human rights violations in pursuit of their ideological and military goals.

In a statement this evening Ms Mogherini says Gilmore's direct involvement in the Northern Ireland peace process made him an ideal candidate.

"Mr Gilmore's direct involvement in the Northern Ireland peace process makes him an ideal envoy.

"It is a signal to the Colombians that the EU is standing by their efforts to put an end to one of the longest running and most murderous conflicts in the world. This is a unique opportunity that must not be lost", Ms Mogherini said.