Taoiseach to follow up China visit with a week in Dubai

By Paul McRingo Far East Correspondent

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has finished his visit to China and will now head off for a week in Dubai. Mr Martin was speaking to reporters in Shanghai Airport as he boarded his Emirates flight to Dubai earlier this morning.

“I’ve had a very productive few days in China. I’m not here on holidays as some might have you believe. The fact is I’m here on business. This is all about helping the Irish economy. It’s important to keep a good economic relationship with China and I’m here representing Ireland to create jobs for Ireland.”

The Taoiseach was asked how many jobs he created for Ireland during his visit to China.

“Well let’s not get bogged down in details. The fact of the matter is that I’m here. As I said, I am representing Ireland and it’s been a very productive few days. I’ve been very well received here and treated with nothing but respect. As Father Ted once said – The Chinese, a great bunch of lads.”

The Taoiseach was asked what he hoped to achieve with during his week in Dubai.

“Well I expect the week in Dubai to be very productive. I’ll be meeting the President of Dubai to discuss economics and I’m confident our meetings and time together will result in the creation of jobs for Ireland.”

The Taoiseach was then told that there’s no such thing as the President of Dubai and that Dubai is actually a city in a country called the United Arab Emirates.

“Again you’re getting bogged down in details. There’s really no need. The fact of the matter is I’m going there to represent Ireland and I think it’s going to be very productive. Now if you’ll excuse me I have a flight to catch. I hear business class is to die for. I wonder if they serve Murphy’s.”