I have just returned from a successful two-day trip to Dublin.
I make regular visits to the Irish capital and during this trip I held a number of meetings with senior political and business figures, including Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern and John Hurley, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland. Many of these meetings were also attended by our excellent Ambassador to Ireland, David Reddaway.
The trip gave me the perfect opportunity to discuss many issues that concern both the UK and Ireland, as well as to see for myself how both political and business leaders are dealing with the recession in Ireland. I was very impressed with the realistic and brave decisions being taken to deal with the economic downturn.
One area of complete agreement is the Common Travel Area. It is a passport-free zone that comprises the whole of the British Isles and has brought enormous benefits. The Government is trying to scrap it and I am delighted that we were able to defeat them in the Lords earlier in the year. Removing the Common Travel Area would be bad for everyone who lives on both sides of the Irish Sea; it should be improved and upgraded. The Government’s plans to end it would damage both economies.
Boosting the Northern Ireland economy is a huge priority for me and we must make sure we do everything to enable the private sector to grow in the province. These types of meetings allow me to discuss economic ties and options for boosting investment.
Comment by FatMike on May 14, 2009 at 10:11 am
Excellent to see someone taking a real interest in Irish politics beyond the sectarian issues which have dominated for so long. British economic recovery means recovery in all parts of the UK, not just the mainland. Absolutely with you on the Common Travel Area too – let’s not make it another victim government scaremongering over the threat posed by terrorism. I think your work in Northern Ireland speaks strongly to the Conservative commitment to local people in control of local affairs with as little interference as possible. Free enterprise in fertile conditions. Keep up the good work!
Comment by Althalus Ulaid on April 12, 2010 at 7:00 pm
“One area of complete agreement is the Common Travel Area. It is a passport-free zone that comprises the whole of the British Isles”
Firstly, I must protest against the continued use of the term ‘British Isles’ by conservatives ans others. The archipelago consisting of the two large islands of Great Britain and Ireland and many smaller surrounding islands is not under the posession of the British government, nor will it ever be again. This is a politically loaded term that harks back to the days of empire and should be abandoned. It is offensive to those not living under British rule.
On this subject, why does the main page of the conservatives website display a picture of Ireland, albeit in a significantly shrunken form? The conservatives have no candidates anywhere on the island of Ireland.
Secondly, on this point raised by Owen Paterson:
“Removing the Common Travel Area would be bad for everyone who lives on both sides of the Irish Sea”.
The Common Travel Area is certainly convenient for those of us who live in Ireland and Britain, but not so for those who live in other parts of Europe. I see no reason why Ireland and the UK should not sign the Schengen Agreement, as many of the same benefits would continue to exist.