Ireland has 4mln people. It has a smaller population than Massachusetts. It is coming out of severe recession, unemployment remains high.
So why would the Mayor choose to go there ? is it really the best country to go to?
and why for 11 days? It is less than a 7 hour flight. It is a small country , easy to drive around and majority of the commerce is in Dublin. Does he really need the 11 days ?
Please share widely!
I recommend reading this article for those interested in the trip.
1) It’s not a vacation, its a trip to relaunch Boston’s relations with its sister city Galway, promote Boston as a tourist destination for Irish people, a business destination for Irish companies, and a jobs destination for Irish immigrants.
2) Walsh is appearing on RTEs equivalent of The Tonight Show to promote the city and promote ties
3) Walsh is spending time with close family and relatives and is getting feted like a Kennedy in his parents hometown
4) The vast majority of the trip is not paid for with tax dollars
Where I do disagree with Walsh was trying to move the Beanpot to Ireland-it ought to remain a Boston institution and has become overly commercialized in recent years, especially considering its should remain a tournament fought for local bragging rights and nothing more. Considering all the college football ‘bowl’ games have been gobbled up by the BCS-it is nice to have a hockey equivalent that is still just for fun.
Ireland has nearly 6.5 million people, only slightly less than Massachusetts.