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Statement by Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann to mark National Day of Finland

6 Dec 2021, 12:30

The Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Joe O’Reilly, on behalf of the Cathaoirleach Senator Mark Daly, has today extended greetings and good wishes to the people of Finland on their National Day.

Speaking in the Seanad, the Leas-Chathaoirleach said: “In December 1917, after over 100 years as an autonomous part of Russia and a preceding 600 years of Swedish rule, the Republic of Finland declared its independence. Over the years Finland like Ireland has transformed herself from a poor, agriculture-based society to a highly digitalized and thriving economy, with the happiest people in the world.

“Finland and Ireland share the experiences of small nations who struggled for independence and experienced famine and civil war which have left indelible marks. More recently we have shared the journey of hard-won economic development and today, our countries share a close relationship as like-minded partners bilaterally, as well as multilaterally including in the EU and the UN. We share commitments to Human Rights, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding. Finnish contributions to the Northern Ireland Peace Process by former Prime Minister Harri Holkeri and former President Martti Ahtisaari are deeply appreciated.

“The best-known Finn to us Irish is of course Joulupukki – Santa Claus, who has promised to visit Ireland again this Christmas bringing light and happiness during these trying times.

“We would like to wish Ambassador Lahnalampi, Happy Independence Day to all Finns and Friends of Finland! Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää.

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