BUSINESS TRIP:OFFICIALS IN the Department of Foreign Affairs queried the involvement of private businesspeople in a trade mission to Libya led by then minister for transport and posts and telegraphs, Albert Reynolds.
During the visit of March 18th to 21st, 1981, Reynolds met the person his Libyan hosts termed “the Leader of the Great First of September Revolution”, Col Muammar Gadafy.
The newly released file says the future taoiseach went to Tripoli after an approach by former TD Seán Sherwin. A previous invitation from the Libyan authorities to minister for foreign affairs Brian Lenihan snr was turned down.
A four-page document on the trip was circulated by Reynolds to colleagues on his return. Headed “agreed minutes” and clearly prepared by the Libyan side, it is signed by Reynolds and Dr Abdul Hafiz Zlidni, secretary of the Libyan General People’s Committee for Education.
The minutes record that the two sides “held talks and discussions on the possibilities for economic co-operation between the two countries and they examined the possibilities for its promotion and development”.
The document adds: “The establishment of the Irish-Libyan Arab Friendship Association during the visit is regarded as a means of contact and mutual understanding and co-operation between the peoples of both countries.
“This association will assist in the establishment of cultural co- operation and friendship between both countries.”
In addition to the minister, names listed for the Irish delegation include: Mr N Hanlon, director Aer Lingus; Mr J Twomey, director Irish Sugar Company; Mr O Patten, press secretary to minister; Mr J Geoghegan, CTT – Irish Export Board; Mr S Sherwin, Abacus International; Mr N Whelan, Gleeson Byrne Whelan and Associates – Construction Programme Management Ltd and officials from various departments.
A background paper on Libya was supplied to the minister for foreign affairs by the economic division of his department on March 26th, five days after the visit.
A section headed “Private Sector Involvement” says: “The involvement of the private individuals during Minister Reynoldss visit to Libya was unusual. Messrs Hanlon, Twomey, Patten, Sherwin and Whelan sat in on the Minister’s discussions . . .
“Mr Sherwin has a particular interest in fostering the development and influence of the Ireland-Libya Friendship Society and his objectives are much wider than is normal with such an organisation. Mr Whelan was seeking business on his own account.
“It will be necessary to make it clear to Mr Sherwin that while we appreciate that his society can help in the fostering of relations with Libya, it can have no official function, eg, in the promotion of trade.”
