Gerard Howlin: From failing state to wielding soft power on the international stage

Ireland starts a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council on January 1. Picture: AP

We are small. To succeed we must be nimble, selective, connected, and respected, writes Gerard Howlin

It may earn Micheál Martin little credit politically, and it seldom does, but much of his work positioning Ireland for recovery, will be done abroad. On January 1, we will, or will not, have a Brexit deal.