The Republic of Ireland through its Embassy in Monrovia has pledged US$1.5 million to support the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections.
According the Deputy Minister of Administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dewey Gray, the support from the Irish Government comes based on the long-standing relationship both countries share since establishing diplomatic ties.
During the Republic of Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, the Liberian Foreign Ministry official appreciated Ireland and its citizens for their continued support to Liberia which includes the provision of scholarship to Liberian students and contribution toward maintaining the country’s peace, among others.
Meanwhile, Minister Gray extended heartfelt condolences for the passing of the Ireland soldiers “Sergeant Derec Mooney ” who met his unfortunate demise while securing Liberia’s peace.
The Speaker of the Senate of Ireland, Jerry Brittimes, said St. Patrick’s Day is an important time for them to reconnect with the diaspora and the 70 million people worldwide of Irish heritage.
He said they are proud of Ireland’s contribution Liberia’s efforts to build and maintain its peace which, according to him began with the deployment of Irish Defense Forces personnel as part of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
“In post-conflicts, our concentrations are on measures to consolidate peace and the rule of law, including our support for election; as we enter an election year, Ireland will continue to work with the Government of Liberia and international partners,” Brittimes stressed.
He stated that Liberia and Ireland have worked together in the international community to respond to Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine which, he said, has demonstrated Liberia’s leadership on the issue, adopting a principal position which puts support for rule-based international order at its core.
Given some historicity about both countries’ relationship, the Senator told the audience that both countries came in contact in 1842, when two priests, Edward Barron from Waterford and John Kelly from Tyrone, landed in Monrovia as missionaries to minister to those of their faith.
He added that those missionaries also provided education, healthcare and other support which today leave the legacies for which the two distinct individuals are celebrated in Ireland.
