Geraldine is our truly outstanding voice on the world stage

‘ACHIEVING meaningful change for people living in poverty, affected by conflict, or suffering the effects of climate change demands a coordinated approach. Individuals do not live their lives in ‘silos’ or ‘pillars’- it’s time we stopped working that way.’

Those are the words, last week, of Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland’s Representative at the United Nations, and proving to be one of the best diplomats the country has ever produced.

As many as five years ago, she did a report, outlining the issues that could impact on Ireland if Britain left the EU. With foresight like that, she seems destined to play a major role on the world stage for us in the years ahead.

These days, she is much in demand in New York, addressing groups from all over the world.

Geraldine is not a politician. Diplomats do what it says on the tin, they deliver for the world in a united voice and when it comes to pushing the country forward, no better person to fight a cause than the Drogheda woman.

As Chair of the 62nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) last week, she remarked, “During the peace processes in Ireland, women weren’t just a token. You don’t just add women, and stir it, and see what happens! What we need is their meaningful participation.’

She recently addressed a UN meeting on Human Rights Defenders and last week also spoke at a Global Youth Leaders conference.

At present, Ireland is pushing for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, 2021-2022, and Geraldine is our voice in that campaign.

She spoke with local students during the Global Schools initiative in January, including at her old school, Greenhills, and inspired everyone.

In the coming months, expect Geraldine to be in the news when it comes to Ireland’s progression on the world stage. We could have no better skipper.

And if we ever want a candidate for Freedom of Drogheda - stop looking.