INTER VIE W WITH H.E. MS. CLIONA MANAHAN, AMBASSADOR OF IRELAND
Beeing an ambassador means LIFELONG LEARNING Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive
The Irish are a small nation but have an extensive diaspora of over 70 million. There is no doubt this has contributed to the fact that Ireland clearly recognizes the need for closer and effective collaboration throughout the world as the only way of facing major geopolitical challenges, climate change, and post-pandemic recovery. On 1 May 2004, it was during the Irish presidency of the European Council when the Czech Republic joined the European Union and, as Cliona Manahan says: “Both countries work daily on promoting convergence between Irish and Czech ‘like-minded’ positions on significant core issues.” What does she say about her Czech experience? And what is her advice to the next generation ambassadors? 10
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the things that brought you to a diplomatic career? First, let me thank you for this welcome opportunity to connect with your readers and share some insights into the life of an Irish diplomat. I grew up in Dublin during the time when Ireland got to the headlines, and not for positive reasons. The unrest in northern Ireland (known as the Troubles) had an impact on our national and global standing. While at school, I was deeply affected by the daily reports and images of civil and political unrest and violence. I was interested in what actions, national and international, might help to resolve the issues due to the complicated history of our islands. These concerns led me to study Law at Trinity College Dublin, and I was very fortunate to be taught by Prof. Mary Robinson, Dr. Kadar Asmal and many others who were involved in Ireland’s political and social development. I joined the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, and more than a half of my career ever since has involved working directly in the peace process, with the US, UK, EU and many others. Ireland’s experience informs our approach to our European and international relations. In recent years, Brexit, the pandemic, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have shown the value of 27 members of the EU collaborating. My previous work in the Nordics, and more recently here in the Czech Republic, with the opening of a new embassy in Ukraine mid-2021 underlines our commitment to our European partners.
What, in your opinion, is the best aspect of working as an ambassador? Learning from people of other countries and cultures. As I have already mentioned, from an early age I was curious and often concerned about national and global issues, about what is needed to protect human rights and equality, and freedom of expression and shared values. So, it is important to be outward-looking but this can be
