Crowe to take up foreign affairs brief

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe is looking forward to the challenges his new role as Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade and the Diaspora will bring. Crowe replaces his party colleague Pádraig MacLochlainn TD as the Foreign Affairs spokesperson and he praised the work Pádraig has done.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today announced a reshuffle of the Oireachtas team. These changes will see Deputy Crowe move from the position of Education spokesperson to the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio.

Speaking after the reshuffle Deputy Crowe said: “With the forthcoming Irish Presidency of the European Union fast approaching the issue of Foreign Affairs and Trade will take on an enhanced importance.

“I would like to commend my party colleague Pádraig MacLochlainn on the fantastic work he has done as our Foreign Affairs spokesperson in the Oireachtas.

“The world is constantly evolving and I will work tirelessly to ensure that Ireland’s independent voice plays a key role in promoting peace, human rights and development around the world.

“The upcoming months are sure to be very important in relation to foreign affairs, with the continuation of the Arab Spring, the release of the new White Paper on Irish Aid, the continued worsening of conditions in Syria and Palestine, the deterioration of the Israeli-Iranian situation, and increasing food insecurity in Africa.

“Additionally I will work with interested groups to ensure that Ireland is successful in securing trade deals around the world which will benefit the Irish economy, by creating jobs and stimulating growth. Any expansion of trade with developing countries must also ensure their right to growth and respect human and workers’ rights.

“I would also like to wish my party colleague Jonathan O’Brien TD the best of luck in his new and important role as Education spokesperson, and I am sure he will work extremely hard in his new and demanding portfolio.

“I also look forward to fighting for the rights of the Irish diaspora, especially the undocumented Irish in America, and all those who have recently emigrated”