GREEN PARTY Minister Eamon Ryan has proposed that Opposition leaders and President Mary McAleese should be asked to represent Ireland abroad on St Patrick’s Day if the national holiday occurs during the election campaign.
Mr Ryan believes the Government and Opposition should travel abroad this year in the light of the unique circumstances.
He suggested that Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny could travel to Germany to meet Chancellor Angela Merkel, while Eamon Gilmore could go to Spain to meet socialist leaders there. President McAleese could be involved in the celebrations at the White House.
The Minister made his proposal at this week’s Cabinet meeting, and last night wrote to Taoiseach Brian Cowen to spell out in detail his views on how political representation should be organised for this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world.
“Given the likelihood that it will take until the end of February to secure the passage of the Finance Act, it is probable that this Government will be in office for St Patrick’s Day this year but that the date may fall in the midst of a general election campaign.
“We should not relinquish the opportunities the national day affords Ireland on the world stage, particularly at this pivotal time for the country,” said Mr Ryan.
“To that end, I propose that both Government and Opposition leaders would officiate at key St Patrick’s Day celebrations. I believe that if the leaders of each of the political parties in the Dáil travelled and engaged in meetings with high-level political representative, it could be of real benefit to the State at this difficult time.
“It might make particular sense to ensure that the leaders might travel to countries where they have political links with the parties of government. For example, Deputy Kenny could go to Germany and meet with Chancellor Merkel, while Deputy Gilmore could meet with his colleagues from the European Social Democratic party in Spain.”
Mr Ryan added that it was of particular importance that Ireland maintained traditional contacts with the White House on St Patrick’s Day.
“Can I suggest that we should consider whether the involvement of our own President on the day might help us maintain this important contact given the unusual circumstances of the visit this year.
“Our international diplomacy efforts need the fillip that St Patrick’s Day provides, and I believe the wider political representation set out above would reflect well, showing us as a mature State that can place national interest firmly ahead of party politics in the middle of an election period.”
Mr Ryan concluded his letter by saying he looked forward to discussing the matter further with the Taoiseach.
