Sir, - It is inconceivable that the Irish Government has failed to grasp the opportunity to proclaim to the world Ireland's great achievements at Expo '98 Lisbon from May next. With over 140 countries now confirmed as exhibitors, it becomes embarrassing for those of us involved in day-to-day contacts with Portugal to try to defend Ireland's continued failure to participate.
The excuse most commonly heard is the cost. This seems to be based on a misconception that Ireland will be required to build and fit out its own stand there. Unlike Expo '92 in Seville, Ireland can step into ready-made exhibition space for Expo '98, incurring only the costs of decoration, services and public utilities. The ever-polite Portuguese must be wondering why, if North Korea, Cuba and several other countries with economies in a far more fragile state than ours can afford to participate, Ireland cannot. Has our Government really examined the practicalities of participation, and consulted Irish companies that export to Portugal with a view to sharing the limited costs of an Irish stand?
The long-term diplomatic and economic consequences of this unrivalled discourtesy to a fellow member state will far outweigh the immediate and easily quantified costs of participation. Our Government's neglect of this opportunity will cast doubts on our oft-proclaimed policy of active international engagement. Our international posturing as an active participant in UN peacekeeping efforts, and in deepening and widening the European Union will ring hollow if that commitment is perceived by other countries as being linked only to inflows of funds. - Yours, etc.,
From William T. Cunningham
Chairman, The Portuguese-Irish Chamber of Commerce, Dawson Street, Dublin 2.