Irish-American lobbyist criticises visa inaction

The head of the Irish group lobbying for immigration reform in the US has criticised the Department of Foreign Affairs for its lack of support and said he feels “isolated” because of the inaction of the Government.

Ciarán Staunton, who fronts the influential Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, also accused the Government of being too old-fashioned in its approach and more concerned with diplomacy rather than pushing for real change.

“When it comes to the politics of Washington most people are using the iPhone. But the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy are still using the rotary dial-up,” said Mr Staunton.