New Ambassadors present Credentials

Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of Australia, the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Iraq presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

Her Excellency Ms Anne Maree Plunkett, Ambassador of Australia was accompanied by her husband Mr. Gary Gray and children Ms Kelly Plunkett and Mr Timothy Plunkett.  Also present was Mr. Sean Singh, First Secretary at the Embassy of Australia.

Her Excellency Mrs. Mariana Durlesteanu, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova was accompanied by Mr. Gheorghe Saghin, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova.

His Excellency Dr. Salah Al-Shaikhly, Ambassador of Republic of Iraq, was accompanied by Mr. Raad Khalil, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq.

The following were also present at the ceremony: Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D.,
Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Brian McCarthy, Secretary General to the President; Mr. Dermot Gallagher, Secretary General, Department of Foreign Affairs; Ms Kathleen White, Chief of Protocol, Mr. Joe Brennan, Deputy Chief of Protocol, Mr. Eoin Duggan, Assistant Chief of Protocol; at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Ambassadors were escorted to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2nd Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, under the command of Lieutenant M. Conneely.

The Guard of Honour at Áras an Uachtaráin was provided by the 1ú Cathlán Coisithe, Dún uí Mhaoiliosa, Gaillimh under the command of Lieutenant D. O'Reilly.

The Army No. 1 Band was conducted by Commandant Mark Armstrong.

Press Section
21st March 2006
ENDS