Byrne appointed cultural ambassador

GABRIEL BYRNE was unveiled as Ireland’s first cultural ambassador to the United States as the White House was playing host to all things green for St Patrick’s Day.

Investment in the Irish economy and the Northern peace process were set to dominate Brian Cowen’s annual meeting with the American president ahead of a glamorous White House reception with Ireland’s cultural achievement as its theme.

The Taoiseach and US President Barack Obama were holding top-level talks ahead of the St Patrick’s Day shamrock presentation after Foreign Minister Micheál Martin began the diplomatic offensive with discussions with secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

The two discussed the Middle East situation following Mr Martin’s recent visit to the Gaza Strip as relations between the United States and Israel hit their biggest chill for more than three decades.

The move towards devolving justice powers to the Belfast Assembly was also on the agenda after US concern that the move did not get unanimous support at Stormont after the UUP opposed it.

The Taoiseach is hoping Ireland’s heightened cultural profile in the US will boost trade and tourism with the aid of Mr Byrne.

“Gabriel Byrne is an internationally renowned, award-winning actor and is already well established as one of Ireland’s great ambassadors through his work in film and theatre, as well as his endeavours behind the scenes in supporting and promoting Irish artists,” Mr Cowen said.

Arts Council chairman Pat Moylan said: “I am delighted that Gabriel Byrne has been appointed as our cultural ambassador – a role he has been carrying out on an informal basis for many years.

“I know he will fly the flag for Ireland, and for Irish arts, as only he can.

“This appointment is a clear acknowledgement by the Irish Government that the arts will play a key role in our economic recovery,” Mr Moylan added.

Ms Clinton was also honoured for her contribution to the peace process in Northern Ireland at a dinner hosted by the American Ireland Fund.

Mr Cowen will be centre of attention in the US capital as he is due to have breakfast with the vice president Joe Biden and a meeting with senior members of congress and leaders of Irish America.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are also in the US capital for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.