Sir, – While the decision to have a Rome-based ambassador to the Holy See has generated much coverage, there has been much less coverage of other significant diplomatic changes. Eddie Finnegan (January 24th) refers to the upgrading of the Irish Aid office to embassy status in Sierra Leone, west Africa. This significant diplomatic development in the west African region is very warmly welcomed by the Sierra Leone Irish Partnership (SLIP).
In addition to heightening Ireland’s participation in the international involvement in the region it also underpins and consolidates the over 200-year-old relationship between Sierra Leone and Ireland.
Sometimes important decisions which generate little media coverage can have very significant positive effect for many people – this is one such decision!– Yours, etc, ,
GERALDINE HORGAN
Hon Sec of SLIP,
C/o Kiltale, Dunsany,
Co Meath.