Diaspora a source of global ‘soft power’

THE Irish diaspora is an important source of “soft power” for this country on the world stage, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore.

The Government yesterday explored ways of tapping into the influential network of Irish people around the world in the second Global Irish Economic Forum, which continues at Dublin Castle today.

Opening the event, the Taoiseach hailed a “new age” for Ireland marked by its potential as a technology hub combined with traditional strengths of entrepreneurship and innovation.