IT’S NOT ALL BAD NEWS FOR OUR OFFICIALS...

IT’S an expensive business, welcoming foreign delegations. But our politicians can take some comfort as they play the dutiful host and bring their foreign counterparts to Ireland’s finest hotels and restaurants on bilateral visits: when our delegates travel abroad in return, they often enjoy the same treatment – often on an even grander scale. Earlier this year, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl spent 12 days in China on a bilateral trip. Initially as part of a group, he travelled to Hong Kong and then on to Macau. After his colleagues returned to Ireland, Mr Ó Fearghaíl travelled to Mongolia, with expenses paid by the Chinese state. The Irish taxpayer can look forward to hosting the Chinese officials’ return trip.