About

foreignpolicy.ie is a new website dedicated to informing the Irish public and others about all aspects of Irish foreign policy.  It recognises the key importance of informed citizens in the arena of foreign policy. The format will be open and accessible and it is intended to develop the concept so as to involve the greatest degree of public access and open fora both electronic and real.The further roll out and development of broadband and access strategies for the Internet will make the site available to a wide range of peopleThe site will act as a portal presented thematically adding analysis and comment to the presentation of key documents and resources on Irish Foreign Policy. Audio and visual resources can also be introduced.

The site will be guided by the four A’s

Accountability – Several decisions and positions are taken by government in all sorts of fora on a regular basis. These should, as far as is practical, be open for scrutiny amongst the public. Where documentation or material is not available this will be stated and possibly commented on. Accountability would focus particularly on the multilateral organisations and agencies that Ireland is a member of and subscribes to. Examples would be UN, WTO, WEU, OECD, WIPO, ILO, EU OSCE, Council of Europe, WHO, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNICEF

Accuracy – Information should be given in an objective and dispassionate fashion, summaries and extracts of some material may be more appropriate or links to other sources.

Analysis – comment and discussion will also be facilitated but separately from the presentation of information. Analysis- The site will present analysis and comment on foreign policy issues relevant to Ireland and on the conduct of Irish foreign policy

Access – A website offers open access to many people but is of course not accessible to all due to the digital divide. The site will work with other actors to address this through joint initiatives, public fora and engagement with the media.

The site is editied in a perosnal capacity by Michael Mc Loughlin, a youth work manager by day, slowish cyclist, Newsnight watcher, Labour party member and West Ham United supporter! editor@foreignpolicy.ie mmclo@eircom.net