Profile

Minister for Foreign Affairs (May 2008 to Jan 2011)

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál ensured that the Department has a strong business and trade element to its work - culinating in the hosting of the Global Irish Forum at Farmleigh, the second Lisbon Treaty Referendum was also successfully passed while in the Northern Ireland the Hillsborough Accord was achieved.

Major acheivements include.

• Successfully spear heading negotiations in Brussels with the Taoiseach Brian Cowen to secure legally binding agreements for the Irish people to address concerns raised during the first Lisbon Treaty Referendum Campaign.

• As Director of Elections oversaw the second successful Lisbon Treaty campaign which has secured Ireland’s position at the heart of Europe.

• Ongoing role in the implementation of the Good Friday agreement including securing the Hillsborough Accord allowing the devolution of Policing and Justice. Continuing the work towards better North-South relations.

• Hosted the first Global Irish Economic Forum in September 2009 which was attended by high achieving individuals from all over the World. They provided their expertise for the benefit of Irish economic recovery. Published the report of the Forum and have commenced implementation of some key recommendations, including the development of a Global Irish Network. Meetings of the Network have taken place in the UK, Europe, the US and Asia.

• Implementation of a report on the future of Irish-US relations, which will put them on a new footing and secure the bond between both countries into the future on a social, economic and political basis.

• Negotiating the first ever working holiday programme with the United States.

• Creating a strong economic focus among Irish Embassies and Consulates across the world, ensuring they are working with other agencies and Irish firms to deliver jobs at home.

• Assisting Irish citizens through the excellent Consular Services available in The Department of Foreign Affairs. With over 1,350 serious incidents responded to in 2009, including kidnappings, shootings and accidents involving Irish people abroad.