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16 August 2011

Roses arrive to Leinster House in Dublin .

BACK: Boston and New England Moira Sullivan , Southern California Molly O'Keefe , Texas Danielle Ybarra , Big Apple Caitlin McNeill and Philadelphia Beth Keeley .

Kerry native Senator Mark Daly welcomed the Rose of Tralee International Festival to Leinster House today, and within minutes the Roses presence had cast a spell of glamour over the historic plinth, as Kildare street's cobbles reverburated with a tirade of high heels and handbags. 

Embassy Representatives Mr. Dan Rooney (US Ambassador), H.E Loyola Hearn (Canadian Ambassador), Mr Andrew Staunton (UK Embassy deputy head of mission), Ms. Julieanne Carroll (Australian Embassy’s first secretary and Consul), Mr. Harold Seibel (German Embassy’s First Secretary and Charge D’Affairs) and Mr. Alan McCarthy (New Zealand Honorary Consul General) attended on the day to meet with the International Roses.

The roses met with their ambassadors outside Leinster House before attending a short reception in the Dáil Bar, and then onwards to a tour of the Dáil and Séanad Houses by Senator Mark Daly.

The roses were visibly intrigued by the interesting history attached to the Oireachtas, including the process of bills becoming law, an introduction to Thomas Francis Meagher and the Irish Flag, the story of how Ireland invaded Canada first, as well as rules of the Oireachtas, its members, and voting systems.

Engaging with the environment, Chicago Rose Siobhan Carroll proposed a motion in the Dáil Chamber itself, "That all single roses will have first choice in picking their escorts" which unanimously proceeded to the Séanad Stage on the next stop of the tour.

In the Séanad Chamber, Sunderland rose Niamh O'Connell enthusiastically backed the bill, with resounding support from all sides, with several roses waving their boutique hats to show their jubilation.

Speaking about the day, Senator Daly hailed ‘the incredible importance of the ties between Ireland and abroad’ through festivals and events such as this.

‘The festival embraces an inherent link between our small nation and the outside world – through emigration and economic circumstance, we have to retain our strong relationships and create new ones, while recognising the rich value of what we have here”.

Senator Daly wishes to thank all the organising committee accompanying The Rose of Tralee festival, who helped facilitate the event, the international ambassadors who took time out of busy schedules to meet the roses in Leinster House, and the staff and ushers of the Oireachtas who ensured the Roses were well looked after during their brief tour.