Garret FitzGerald’s government lavished gifts on Robert Mugabe

The Irish government lavished Zimbabwean premier Robert Mugabe with gifts during his visit to Dublin in 1983, newly declassified files reveal.

Garret FitzGerald’s Fine Gael-led coalition shelled out several times as much on presents for the controversial African leader as they did for the US vice president George Bush, who also visited that year.

Among the centrepiece offerings from the then taoiseach to Mr Mugabe and his first wife Sally Hayfron were a Waterford Crystal bowl and a vase.

The exclusive glassware was bought from Weirs Jewellers on Dublin’s Grafton Street for £286.86 — the equivalent of €847 today.

Documents released under the 30-year-old rule show a further £503.12 — or €1,485 today — was spent showering Mr Mugabe’s entourage, including ministers and aides, with mementoes of their trip.

These included crystal honey pots, vases, compote and salad bowls, butter dishes, and an Irish linen placemat set.

Another £33 (€100) was spent buying Mrs Mugabe flowers while then junior minister for women’s affairs Nuala Fennell reclaimed £61.50 (€182) from taxpayers for buying her a decanter set.

The same year £262.81 — or €776 — was spent buying a Waterford bowl and lace mat set for then US vice president George Bush Sr and his wife Barbara.