MINISTER of State Christopher O’Sullivan is flying to Kenya and Tanzania for St Patrick’s Day, writes Martin Steinmetz.

In an unprecedented diplomatic push, all 38 government ministers will visit 40 countries and 90 cities.

The Cork South West Fianna Fáil TD said he would connect with ministerial counterparts, business leaders, and Irish citizens in Kenya and Tanzania, while also touring Ireland-backed projects.

‘These trips are fantastic opportunities to promote Ireland, our culture, values and interests across the globe,’ said Minister O’Sullivan.

‘We’re so lucky that people all over the world want to celebrate our national day with us.’

He addressed concerns about a cabinet exodus, saying: ‘Ministers aren’t all away at the same time, it’s staggered, so there are always ministers at home. As for myself, I am travelling the week before so will be back in West Cork in time to attend as many St Patrick’s Day parades as possible. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’

Concern was expressed that all government ministers were said to be out of the country on St Patrick’s Day.

Critics argued the government’s St Patrick’s Day Programme risked leaving Ireland without top-level leadership during celebrations for its own patron saint.