Irish-N.Z. relations will need work

Press, 23 February 1987, Page 29

Irish-N.Z. relations will need work

By

PETER O’HARA,

NZPA staff correspondent London New Zealand’s strong diplomatic offensive in the Republic of Ireland over the last two years will need renewal with the ousting of Dr Garret Fitz Gerald’s coalition Administration. Dublin has traditionally been a stumbling block for Wellington in negotiations with the European Economic Community because the two countries have agricultural interests which clash. The New Zealand Labour Government has made a number of significant steps to counter the differences.

A succession of Ministerial visits, headed by the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, have been aimed at softening some of the traditional. Irish opposition, particularly as New Zealand’s butter access to Europe expires next year. The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Moyle, and the Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr O’Flynn, have made calls in Dublin and London High Commission staff have established a routine of regular visits. The High Commissioner, Mr Bryce Harland, plans a trip to Ireland at Easter. The return of the Fianna Fail Party leader, Mr Charles Haughey, as the republic’s Prime Minister, albeit with a doubt-

ful majority in the new Parliament, is unlikely to lead to much change in relations with NewgZealand, diplomats saiff6yesterday.