A study visit to Dublin by a delegation of Members of Tynwald provided ‘an opportunity to explore issues of common concern’, the President of Tynwald, the Hon Laurence Skelly MLC, has said.

Hosted by the Houses of the Oireachtas, the three-day study visit saw Mr President lead the delegation of Rob Callister MHK, Ann Corlett MHK, Paul Craine MLC, Tim Glover MHK, Dawn Kinnish MLC, Rob Mercer MLC and Stu Peters MHK. Delegates were supported by the Deputy Clerk of Tynwald Joann Corkish, and Table, Hansard and Publications Manager Andy Cooke.

While in Dublin, Mr President was received by the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, at his official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin.

Mr President said: ‘Delegations of this nature are beneficial as they provide an opportunity for politicians to observe and interact with their counterparts on a wide range of topics of common concern. On this occasion, the subject matter was scrutiny, and it was interesting to note that Ireland is dealing with many of the same major issues as the Isle of Man, such as housing, cost of living, energy, climate change and skills shortages. The study visit also helped to deepen relationships with a nation with which we share many cultural and heritage links. It was a pleasure to meet President Higgins who is an ardent ambassador of the Gaelic language and is very much aware of our shared Viking links, with Godred Crovan having reigned as King of both the Isle of Man and Dublin in the ninth century.’

Image: The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, receives the President of Tynwald, the Hon Laurence Skelly MLC, at Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of Ireland’s Head of State.

-ends-

For further information contact:

Joann Corkish
Deputy Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685500
j.corkish@tynwald.org.im