you bet me to it

He’d want to tiptoe around the ole controversial Falkland topic….and oil companies operating there and….

Well hopefully he can at least support the argentine stance on the Malvinas as its something we can relate to. As regards the other topics sure they can have a nice cup of tay together and it will all be grand

Who cares about Malvinas…the country is a time bomb at the moment.

Malvinas are used by both the UK and argentinean government to distract the attention from other atrocities.

Patitas, you’re simply insane.

I’d be very surprised if she doesn’t try to get him to make some sort of statement regarding the Falklands and I’ll be interested to see which way he jumps.

@ LisaandWilliam: No, read up on the matter. Fernández de Kirchner has been centralising power in herself since she was re-elected.

@ Chris: Those living on the islands have said they want to continue being part of the UK. Do you not respect their wishes?

He won’t make a statement on that Damocles – he isn’t allowed to by convention. That sort of stuff is handled by the Minister for Foreign Affairs… who is incredibly unlikely to say anything at all about it, because a.) he doesn’t want to piss off the UK, and b.) he doesn’t want to piss off an emerging market. Nothing to do with us, best to stay silent on it

Conor, I know he shouldn’t but what’s to stop her going “I call on our distinguished Irish visitor to support us yada yada yada”, thus putting him on the spot. It’s the sort of absurdly grand standing thing she’d do.

True enough – one would hope he’s at this long enough to be able to politely get out of that situation anyway!

I’ll be interested to see which way he jumps.

Oh, I seem to be repeating myself

typical socialist and sine Fein supporter.
these trips make money which in turn pay for the generous welfare provided by the state. traditional markets have shrunk we need to broaden our market, you sir, should start by broadening your mind.

Typical begrudger – the President has no say over childrens allowence or anything policy based – that’s the job of the government. What he can do is head over to what is a massive emerging market on a trade mission and attempt to get them to invest in Irish products, bringing badly needed jobs and money our way – of course, if he’s successful you would have less to have a whinge about on the internet so I can see why you would be against such a trip.

Have a read of the Constitution before making stupid comments over what you think the President should or shouldn’t be responsible for…

Tuba

Brian suggested you broaden your mind! Sure how could you do that?

So we should become a bunch of backward hermits? Argentina is one of the biggest purchasers of Irish goods – would you prefer we say “no thanks, we don’t want more sales”?

fizi, did you miss the part about 40 Irish companies going? have you any buisness education? most trade missions result in large contracts. your a begrudger.

Michael: good one…what is exactly Argentina buying from Ireland in such huge amounts?
Again I did not say such visits are completely wrong. I said it wasnt particularly necessary now and especially to South America which is not Irrland great business partner as you are suggesting..

expertise in beef farming is one.

Oh I didn’t say it was the biggest trade partner – but it’s up there. Argentina buy in drugs and pharmaceutical products, chemicals, mobile communications equipment, and of course – “beverages” – all from Ireland.
There are about a million people in Argentina who have direct Irish connections, and 85% of Argentines are of European descent, still want us to ignore the Argentines?