In assessing the Government's case for buying another official aircraft, the nature of modern governing and communications, and Ireland's place within them, must be taken fully into account. They should take primacy over the manner and timing of its decision to replace the existing jet.
Ireland emerged as the most globalised state in the world for the second time last month in the latest A.T. Kearney/Foreign Policy comparative index of globalisation involving 62 countries. This index is based on four different aspects of global integration: political engagement, including the number of memberships of international organisations; technology, which includes the number of Internet users and servers; personal contact, including travel, tourism, telephone calls and cross-border transfers; and economic integration, including trade, foreign investment, income payments and receipts. While many of these are functions of civil society, it cannot be denied that they have been underwritten through effective representation and regulation by successive governments.
Globalisation is, above all, a spatial phenomenon. It stretches and intensifies international connections, relations and networks - and speeds them up. Far from abolishing the need for face-to-face representation, these changes have multiplied the need for them. Ireland's politicians, officials and business people have a deserved reputation for optimising such personal and informal contacts.
Compared to 50 or a 100 years ago, the number of inter-state conferences has increased exponentially, along with the huge increase in the numbers of international agencies and organisations arranging them. Nor has globalisation abolished the need for domestic accountability of government ministers. They must meet ever more exacting political calendars, with virtually immediate reporting back and media scrutiny. Based on these home truths from abroad, the case for an efficient, cost-effective and uncomplicated means of international travel for ministers is overwhelming. Much the best means of providing it is through a dedicated aircraft.
The material benefits of a globalised Ireland - in employment, prosperity and expanded international horizons - have affected all voters. The Government can be faulted for not replacing the existing aircraft earlier - and arguably for buying rather than leasing it in present straitened circumstances - but not for its basic decision.