New Ambassadors present Credentials

Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of Canada, the Republic of Zimbabwe, and the Republic of Uganda presented their Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

His Excellency Mr. Christopher Westdal, Ambassador of Canada, was accompanied by his wife, Ms. Sheila Hayes and Mr. John Banim, Mission Administrative Officer of the Embassy of Canada.

His Excellency Mr. Gabriel M. Machinga, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe, was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Esteri Machinga and Mr. Martin Makururu, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Her Excellency Mrs. Joan Rwabyomere, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda, was accompanied by Ms. Mumtaz Kassam, Deputy Head of Mission, of the Republic of Uganda.

The following were also present at the ceremony: Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D.,
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs for Development Cooperation and Human Rights; Mr. Brian McCarthy, Secretary General to the President; Mr. Brendan Rogers, Deputy Director, Development Co-operation Directorate, Department of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Kathleen White, Chief of Protocol; Mr. Joe Brennan, Deputy Chief of Protocol; Mr. Tom Bolster, Deputy 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 2nd Lieutenant David Coughlan.

The Guard of Honour at Áras an Uachtaráin was provided by the 4th Field Artillery Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant James Malynn

The Army No. 1 Band was conducted by Lieutenant Brian Prendergast.

ENDS +++
24 October 2006
Press Office