Sir, - I refer to Fintan O'Toole's criticisms (December 12th) of the Taoiseach's judgment and timing in travelling to New York. In particular, I take issue with Mr O'Toole's mischievous portrayal of An Taoiseach jetting off to New York "as an abdication of responsibility". Far from abdicating responsibility, as Mr. O'Toole suggests, the Taoiseach was in fact carrying out his duty as leader of this country in continuing to promote and represent the Irish people on the international stage.
The Taoiseach's itinerary in New York primarily concerned matters relating to the UN. Since joining in 1955, Ireland has made a proud and constructive contribution to this body which has been widely and generously acknowledged. The important role Ireland has played in international peacekeeping was referred to last year in a glowing tribute by UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan.
I think it is fair to say Ireland's international standing throughout the world has never been higher. This is largely due to the work of this Government with An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, at its helm. On January 1st our membership of the UN Security Council begins. This Government worked long and hard to secure membership of this body.
The Taoiseach's visit to the UN buildings afforded him the opportunity to consult with members of the international diplomatic corps from across the globe who are based in New York. The visit gave him the chance to underline this Government's desire to bring to the Security Council the values of humanity and our commitment to a fairer and more peaceful world.
Ireland will make a contribution in that forum which is consistent with our ideals as a nation - committed to the rule of international law, peace building, human rights, development aid and the protection of our environment. One hundred and thirty of the world's governments have shown their confidence in Ireland's ability to bring these principles into the heart of the UN's decision making.
This would not have been achieved without the dedicated work of the Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Irish diplomats who worked tirelessly promoting and representing this country throughout the world. It was fitting that the Taoiseach took the opportunity to thank many of those diplomats based in New York for their effort.
The sculpture which was unveiled at the UN in New York, and to which Mr O'Toole refers facetiously, was a gift from the people of Ireland to the UN. It is a sculpture of a 19th century Irish ship entitled "The Arrival" and celebrates the contribution of the Irish people. It is a symbol of the historic experience of the Irish people in the US and all the other countries around the world where our emigrants put down roots. To scorn the unveiling of this statue - as Fintan O'Toole does - is to scorn all that has been achieved by Irish people throughout the world.
For Mr O'Toole's information, during his visit to New York the Taoiseach also launched the North American Branch of the Galway University Foundation. He took time to highlight the achievements and commitment to excellence displayed by the academic community in Galway. He paid tribute to the graduates who have emigrated and looked forward to the development of a major new network for support and partnership for NUI Galway.
In conclusion, I think it is merely necessary to state that it was both fitting and timely that the Taoiseach should take the opportunity to present to the UN a gift from the people of Ireland. His trip was significant and his actions commendable. I have no doubt the people of Ireland feel likewise. - Yours, etc.,
Martin Cullen, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Dail Eireann, Dublin 2.