President criticised for attending Saudi event

THE Government last night defended President Mary McAleese's appearance at the Jeddah Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia as the decision to participate in the prestigious event drew criticism from Labour Party deputy leader Liz McManus.

Ms McManus attacked the Government for scheduling the President's attendance at the event where "women were required to arrive through a separate entrance to sit, unseen, behind a Perspex screen".

Ms McManus argued that such treatment is symptomatic of a society where women are largely prevented from voting in elections and are subject to numerous discriminatory practices, which are sometimes required by law.

"There is simply no way in which an Irish President would be expected to address such a meeting where a significant section of the population were discriminated against in this way on the grounds of race or religion. Why should discrimination on the grounds of gender be any more acceptable?

"The arrangements for this meeting are offensive not just to the majority of Irish women but to the majority of Irish citizens," she said.

However, a Government statement last night defended the visit saying that the overall trip represented "a clear expression of the values of Irish society and people".

"The President showed respect for the culture of a friendly state, while at the same time contributed to the debate and reflection on the future for all the population of Saudi Arabia, including women," the statement said.

A spokesperson for the President and previous Irish guests at the Jeddah Economic Forum also defended the decision to attend.

Chairman of Thomas Crosbie Holdings (TCH), Alan Crosbie, who addressed the forum three years ago, said he thought President McAleese was right to attend.

"I would say that it's another step in the right direction even having the likes of Cherie Blair and President McAleese at the Jeddah conference.

"The vast majority of women there would have welcomed President McAleese speaking there," he said.

Speaking from Saudi Arabia, a spokesperson travelling with the presidential delegation said President McAleese had received "very positive feedback" from Saudi businesswomen with whom she met.

In a press briefing after her speech to the forum, President McAleese also fielded questions on the role of women and spoke of how Ireland was now a better society for having greatly improved the integration of women.

President McAleese also raised the issue privately with King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz in a separate meeting.

Nevertheless Ms McManus insisted that the Government had a duty to "stand with Saudi women and demand and end to these discriminatory practices. Equal treatment for women and men is a fundamental principle of international human rights standards".