Mayo View: Paddy democracy set for a reboot 2025-style
by Caoimhín Rowland
St. Patrick’s Day is soon upon us and those of us at home prepare to enter floats in local parades, book time off work and recharge and refuel back at base.
For the elected class, however, it’s a time to big up the shamrocks, engage in soft power stunts as government ministers stamp their passports and rack up on the free fruit in airport lounges throughout the globe.
Ireland is in a tricky spot.
We like to centre ourselves on international security concerns, debating our neutrality, pondering how Trump will react to our corporate tax rate, label ourselves as Palestine’s greatest ally.
But, in reality, few think of Ireland as much as the Irish.
We offer little in terms of defence support for anyone, our rare earth minerals appear minimal and our likelihood of entering into an era of political turmoil seems far-fetched.
But that doesn’t stop hysteria and ego from some commentators frothing at the mouth to militarise every inch of the island.
Our foreign policy is less bombs and warfare and more stout and sláinte.
It worked well thus far and should remind detractors of the importance of Ireland’s ministers' trips globally.
It helps to keep us out of the spotlight and that’s the way it should be.
More support should come the way of Palestine over platitudes but this year’s St. Patrick’s Day visit comes at a time when distraction is required from how poorly this new-old government has begun its tenure.
A spat over speaking rights began before a mishandling of Storm Éowyn, along with the coalition red flag of Michael Lowry, followed by the damming truth of missed housing targets.
It’s been a sorry commencement to the new year for this government, an international spat or diplomatic brush with Trump would help us to forget all about it, create a rally around the flag effect.
The annual mass exodus of politicians will be upon us in March. Many of the Irish population will have gotten what they wished for as the leading political class set off on their grand diplomatic charm offensive.
Interestingly, they received a uniquely warm welcome from Mayo’s Aontú TD Paul Lawless.
He’s not interested in cost-benefit analysis reports like he was for his colleagues in the Mayo chamber, a proposal that irked many.
Instead he has asked An Taoiseach to “teach” his government ministers the way of diplomacy, noting previous mistakes by Iar Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
Evidently Lawless never questioned the diplomatic skills of his former Mayo council colleagues. He trusted them to put their best foot forward, comb their hair and not say anything about Monica Lewinski.
It’s the closest thing to a compliment he’ll ever give them.
This year it will be just the 38 government representatives who will fan out across 90 cities in 40 countries, wielding the power of the green jersey with all the subtlety of a marching band.
The Americans, in particular, are getting a hefty dose of Irish charm - ten ministers are heading stateside, primed to shake hands, pour pints, and wax lyrical about our little nation’s greatness.
What is it that makes Ireland such an attractive location for American businesses?
According to a client survey divulged via FOI expert, Ken Foxe, which the IDA withheld from release for almost a year and a half, it's still the corporate tax environment and their major dissatisfaction is the housing crisis.
No shocks there, but what was also discovered was a colossal lack of unionisation amongst Irish FDI based workers. 90% are without a union, according to that report, which may also be of music to the ears of potential pro-Trump businesses still looking for a European hub, silver linings and all.
Mayo’s own government ministers, Dara Calleary and Alan Dillon, are among the lucky ones packing their suitcases.
Calleary, the Minister for Social Protection, is bound for Atlanta and Savannah, where he’ll be reminding everyone that Coca-Cola, a massive employer in his native north Mayo, calls both Georgia and Ballina home.
Meanwhile, Alan Dillon, Fine Gael’s Minister of State for Enterprise, is heading west to Vancouver and Utah.
There, he’ll be making the case for Ireland as a top-tier business and tourism destination.
Given Utah’s reputation as the land of wide-open spaces and religious conservatism, one imagines he may have to forego a pint of Guinness photo-op but in Vancouver it will feel like home.
A popular destination of late for young Irish people has seen GAA clubs in that city proliferate. He might even get a run out with one of their dozen clubs.
In the midst of all this jet-setting, Chambers Ireland has emerged with a rousing cheer for the St. Patrick’s Day missions.
Their CEO has hailed the Government’s commitment to getting ministers out of the country - sorry, engaging with international partners. “No other country enjoys such a global platform annually,” he said.
It’s true and a unique opportunity, but it will put Ireland in the international spotlight for a period of time.
That will be music to politicians ears but will be met with American crosshairs.
Trump has been happy to offend strong NATA allies. Why would we be excluded?