Mr. Denis Staunton:

The Vatican embassy is something of an anomaly. I think it was a mistake to close the embassy to the Holy See. I do not think that these embassies should be opened or closed for sentimental reasons. I think it is a matter of national interest. The reason given was that it was a question of cost. It is difficult to argue that if people say that was the reason it was closed. However, given the influence the Catholic Church continues to exert in our society, regardless of whether one likes that, it seems to me to be a good idea to have one of our representatives there to let us know what is going on.