Outgoing Ambassador Makes Statement RE: Ireland's Lack of Presence in Rome

Ambassador Tim Fischer noted in the press today here in Ireland that the lack of a diplomat in Rome is a problem. Here is part of his statement: "The Vatican is not entirely a closed shop, but you have to know where to look, which conferences to attend, which contacts to pursue.  And if you’re only flying in for four times a year from Dublin or from the Hague or from Geneva, then that becomes very difficult to do in a comprehensive and professional way,” he explained in an interview with CNA.

He added that, being so close to the Vatican allows governments to tap into an unparalleled diplomatic network. "

“It is the oldest organisation in the world, and it does have a huge network,” he said.  In fact, “as recently as the Balkans War, some of the best information as to what was really happening on the ground was not held by the CIA or the KGB but, in fact, right here in Rome by the Holy See.”

Rest of article here

As most know, the Irish government pulled its Embassy staff from Rome last year. Fischer also stated that is was the opinion of most diplomatic staffs that the Irish move was political and not budgetary. Are we surprised?