"Cllr Tomás Ó Curraoín voiced firm objections to Ambassador Kara Owen's recent trip to Galway - her first official engagement outside Dublin since her appointment in October. "I think it's very wrong that they come here. I don't think it's right that a member of the Crown should come, especially when they still occupy the six counties," Cllr Ó Curraoín said. Half-joking, he added that the ambassador would be welcome in the west "if she arrived with news of a united Ireland.""
"CEO Liam Connelly said ambassadors should be met with "fair and even" respect. "They are not political representatives," he added, "but they serve a very important role between governments." Fine Gael councillor Jimmy McClearn criticised his colleague's comments as "regrettable." "I don't think that type of language is acceptable," he said, adding that his own discussion with Ms Owen focused on Galway's trade links with Britain."
At a November council plenary meeting, Cllr Tomás Ó Curraoín objected to Ambassador Kara Owen's visit to Galway, citing the Crown's representation while the six counties remain occupied. He referenced County Galway figures such as Fr Michael Griffin and noted November commemorations of leaders who faced capture or death. He said his objection targeted the Crown rather than the ambassador personally, mentioning her Galway connections. Council executives and several councillors countered the remarks and emphasised the importance of diplomatic visits. CEO Liam Connelly urged fair, even respect for ambassadors. Fine Gael councillor Jimmy McClearn described the language as regrettable and highlighted trade discussions with Britain.
Read at Irish Independent
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