Eamon Ryan calls for Patrick's Day role for President and Opposition leaders

CtrlSource · 13-01-2011 1:18am #1

Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan TD has proposed that President McAleese and Opposition leaders should be involved in representing Ireland abroad on St Patrick’s Day, if the national holiday occurs during the election campaign.

Traditionally Mrs McAleese has remained at home most years during her Presidency on 17th March - to officiate at functions and parades here.

More in The Irish Times article here

I think this is a very good proposal, not just because we'll probably be in the middle of an election campaign, but because it's only fair that other elected leaders, representatives of other political parties and community organisations be allowed to promote Ireland abroad on our national day of celebration and not just Ministers from government parties and government officials.

There's no reason that I can think of why President McAleese, Enda Kenny, Eamon Gilmore, Gerry Adams and others should not be part of the official delegation travelling to places like mainland Europe, USA, Australia etc., where we have strong connections and diaspora and to India, China, Russia etc., where we are developing strong trade links.

What do people think of this idea? Will the Taoiseach and Fianna Fáilers want to have the White House bowl of shamrock photo-op all to themselves?

melekalikimaka · 13-01-2011 1:21am

the party in power should represent the country. mary can do what she wishes imo

Alter-Ego · 13-01-2011 1:23am

I think Ryan needs to STFU, pull his finger out and sort out this countries terrible broadband infrastructure.

starbelgrade · 13-01-2011 1:23am

Eamon Ryan is a prick.

RonMexico · 13-01-2011 1:26am

Only if we can pick where Eamon Ryan goes. How about Darfur?

FreudianSlippers · 13-01-2011 1:28am

I agree, let the President go to the USA and other ministers deal with the other countries.

The Taoiseach, however, is grounded and has to stay here and watch our shít parade.

CtrlSource · 13-01-2011 1:29am

Perhaps After Hours was the wrong forum to post this and to expect topical replies :rolleyes:

kincsem · 13-01-2011 1:32am

I would prefer if they cut out these foreign junkets and stayed at home on St Patricks Day.

CtrlSource · 13-01-2011 1:32am

OisinT wrote: »

I agree, let the President go to the USA and other ministers deal with the other countries.

The Taoiseach, however, is grounded and has to stay here and watch our shít parade.

Yep

We have some really good parades here in recent years, though.

How about making Mr Cowen stay at home instead? Or sit in the National Gallery for a few hours? :pac:

Irish Wolf · 13-01-2011 1:39am

starbelgrade wrote: »

Eamon Ryan is a prick.

If ever there was a petition that would garner 100% support, there be the statement atop the page...

mikom · 13-01-2011 1:58am

Who's gonna pay for all this shit?

OPENROAD · 13-01-2011 2:04am

mikom wrote: »

Who's gonna pay for all this shit?

Travelodge rates are very reasonable imo

expectationlost · 13-01-2011 6:36am

president might aswell go, unless she supposed to keep he head down during elections...

Rabies · 13-01-2011 6:44am

CtrlSource wrote: »

Perhaps After Hours was the wrong forum to post this and to expect topical replies :rolleyes:

True

PM me if you'd like the crap cleaned out of this thread and it moved to another forum

Eamon Ryan calls for Patrick's Day role for President and Opposition leaders

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