A chara, - Why all the fuss about David Andrews's remarks concerning the possibility of cross-Border bodies with executive powers "not unlike a government"?
As all concerned should know, one such cross-Border body already exists: the Foyle Fishery Commission established under the Foyle Fisheries Act 1952 of the Oireachtas and the Foyle Fisheries (Northern Ireland) Act of the same year.
There are four commissioners, two senior, who alternate as chairpersons, and two junior. The Minister for the Marine appoints one senior and one junior commissioner and the Department of Agriculture in Belfast does likewise. They get an annual grant, of equal amount, from Dublin and Belfast.
The commission has the responsibility for preserving, protecting and improving the fisheries in the Foyle area - with excellent results. They employ 24 part-timers.
In practical effect they have powers "not unlike a government", in relation to their particular and very important brief.
The Foyle Fishery Commission is the precedent on which to stand concerning cross-Border co-operation in relation to tourism, agriculture and several other practical matters. - Is mise,
An Charraig Dhubh, Co Bhaile Atha Cliath.