FORMER Taoiseach John Bruton has joined the board of the US industrial giant Ingersoll Rand.

The appointment is Bruton's first as company director since leaving his role as the European's Union's am­bassador to Washington, where he was based for five years.

"Mr Bruton has extraordinary insight into critical regional and global economic, social and political issues, and his perspective and guidance will be greatly valued as we continue to execute our company's strategic plan," Ingersoll Rand said last week.

Ingersoll Rand last year moved its corporate headquarters to Ireland from Bermuda. The company employs about 700 people here, mainly at its Thermo King manufacturing plant in Galway. The new corporate head office is in Swords.

The company said it made the move because Ireland offers a "more stable long-term legal and regulatory environment". It said the switch would not have a major change on its tax bill.

It didn't disclose how much Bruton will be paid for the part-time role.