Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

There is much merit in what the Minister has said, but would he consider the concept? I believe we have completely closed the door on this option. Would he not agree that the United States, for example, has had some very successful ambassadors in Ireland, notwithstanding that our system does not allow the spoils of office to be shared among individual political supporters in this context? Would he not agree that America has had some very successful ambassadors here who came in cold? People can be picked depending on the political climate of the time and Ms Jean Kennedy-Smith, for instance, was an ideal ambassador for the time of the peace process as was Ambassador Foley, from the viewpoint of creating business. It does not mean that we would discard the good that we have, but rather that it should be supplemented by thinking outside the box. Would he give it some consideration, notwithstanding-----

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