Ireland's Foreign Relations in 2008

Abstract

The article examines international events in 2008 and Ireland's role in international affairs during this period. It looks at the foreign policy process in Ireland, examining government policy, debate in the Oireachtas and, more generally, coverage in the media. Ireland's interests and role in the European Union during the Slovenian and French presidencies are considered, especially in the contexts of the Irish 'no' vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum, the current global financial and economic crisis and EU external relations. Developments in the UN are reviewed; including Ireland's involvement in a number of UN fora, initiatives and peacekeeping operations. Finally, the review looks at Irish governmental policy and involvement in Northern Ireland.