16 Irish Government Ministers set to travel abroad for St. Patrick’s Day

I am amazed that these politician bastards are still getting paid for holidays abroad under the guise of promoting the economy. totally agree with what everyone says below, esp irishcoffeekid, my parents too are pensioners getting screwed in the last few years of their lives, and these bastards are swanning around with no expense spared, no tightening the belt for them. I'm going to watch the parade in Sydney on Sunday and look out for that Alan Shatter so I can heckle the hell out of him for his freeloading holiday to Australia and New Zealand at the country's expense.

As I read the above article I was was rdminded of the disparaging remark the Irish state's foreigh minister msde about last yeay's NYC St. Patrick'd Day pasrade: that it doesn't rprenent his government.Thank God it doesn't. This great event had been held annualy for i½ centuries before the Irish Free State was founded, and in all probability it will continue long into the future, even if the Dáil Partitionists surrender what's left of that state's sovereignth to the E.U.

They're not looking for tourists. They're looking for investors. Tourism is going up on it's own, again, as people ride out this terrible recession. The investments could be good, or they might be disappointing. This will depend on the politicans doing what they are supposed to. It's really a great opportunity to see what these Ministers can do for Ireland. Will they fall victim to the same old politics? I'm hoping not. I'm sure there will be some disappointments. It comes with the territory. I know it's difficult to be optimistic when you're experiencing the strain of such a battering economy. There's always hope. Your Taoiseach has shown true leadership on a few issues. Time will tell. Irishcoffeekid, you're right. Pensioners should be exempt from having they're income reduced. They've worked and are deserving of what is due them.

I've never heard ONE SINGLE TOURIST say they came to Ireland because they were influenced by some Irish Minister in their country - its a waste of money!

I live in Washington DC and quite honestly couldnt care less what minister comes here from home. They should stay at home and sort out the mess they're making of the country instead of pretending to be shining stars of success from Ireland - they shouldn't be wasting state money - tourists will come to Ireland without any influence from some red gilled politician acting big in the USA. I'm sad of hearing how upset my elderly parents are with the government back home, the screwing around with pensions of the elderly and my parents only glad I'm working and saving in the USA because they'd be worried about my job if i was back home. Ministers should stay at home, save the money and do something useful instead. They're a useless bunch of misfits!

With regards to the US they go to where they preach to the choir instead of areas where there is good will towards Ireland but are in areas not in their comfort zones.