Ireland’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Conor Long, discusses relations between the two island nations and the strategies that Ireland has followed to propel its economy, at a time when Cyprus is looking to take on a similar role as a tech hub in the Mediterranean.
Ireland and Cyprus have a long history of bilateral relations. How important would you say it is to maintain this strong partnership?
Relations between Ireland and Cyprus are very positive, reflecting the shared elements of our histories and common interests, which are important for the two countries. We have both experienced colonial presences on our islands and the political divisions and challenges which persist as a consequence of those historical legacies. Ireland and Cyprus are among the small number of common law EU Member states, while both are outside NATO but within the EU. In large part due to our island status, we do not have large traditional manufacturing industries that require major integrated supply chains such as vehicle manufacturing, which means that we need to compete in more skills-based productive sectors. We are gradually integrating our energy grid with our neighbours, a process which, hopefully, Cyprus will be able to complete in the coming years. In my opinion, the extensive overlap in our circumstances means that we identify interests and policies which we share and we frequently have common positions in the EU. I don’t see this changing and I believe that relations will remain strong for the future.
How can economic and educational links be expanded between Cyprus and Ireland?
Strengthened economic and educational links between Ireland and Cyprus are important objectives for both countries. As services are far more important to our bilateral trade than goods, the key to increasing trade is the deepening of the EU single market and enhancing European competitiveness. This will be a key objective for both Ireland and Cyprus in 2026 as we will each hold the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the EU next year. Our efforts in progressing key dossiers is critical to our bilateral trade, our national prosperity and the prosperity of the of the EU as a whole. Closer relations in the higher education sector, including through greater student exchanges under the Erasmus programme, more academic partnerships and shared participation in EU-supported research projects will also contribute to our two economies and bring us closer as fellow Europeans.
Ireland has contributed to peacekeeping in Cyprus since the ‘60s. Coming from a country which, like Cyprus, has a quite turbulent history, how would you describe the value of UNFICYP and what, in your view, is the best way to move forward and resolve the Cyprus issue?
We are very proud of the contribution and the sacrifices made by our peacekeepers over many decades with the UN, including in Cyprus – nine Irish peacekeepers died while serving with the UN. Ireland understands that peacekeeping is a vital component in creating the circumstances for Cypriots to reach a solution to the present conflict. We have our own experiences of division and conflict, and reaching an agreement in Northern Ireland remains the most important achievement in my country in my lifetime. This awareness creates an understanding in Ireland of the complexity of finding and building a sustainable peace in Cyprus, which accommodates the aspirations and rights of both communities.
I believe that this is still possible in Cyprus but I also share the concerns expressed by the UN that the status quo is neither stable nor sustainable. An absence of armed conflict is not peace and, without a political solution, conflict remains a risk. Ultimately, reaching agreement requires that leaders take difficult decisions, because compromises are required by both sides in order to find a consensus.
Dublin is recognised as a tech hub in Europe, having attracted some of the biggest global companies like Apple, Amazon and Microsoft to set up their European headquarters there. How did it achieve this and what can Cyprus learn from Ireland as it seeks to play a similar role in the Mediterranean?
Ireland’s position as a location for international investors reflects a series of factors – we have the highest rate of graduates in the working age population in world, reflecting a very longstanding commitment to education and skills by successive governments; we provide strong support for innovation through Research Ireland; we have developed policies and instruments to facilitate the success of international investors in Ireland. The success of longstanding investors through their operations in Ireland underlines the attractiveness of Ireland as an investment destination.
Ireland has a vibrant startup scene. What tactics did it follow to generate so many success stories?
Supporting entrepreneurs is critical to the emergence of new companies. Good business ideas need to be matched with support in understanding the legal, accounting, banking and insurance, taxation and regulatory environment, both in Ireland and in possible export markets. The Irish Government and local authorities support multiple initiatives for companies at differing levels of development and maturity to provide managers of start-ups and SMEs, through such agencies as Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, as well as Local Enterprise Offices. Incubator campuses such as the Dublin Digital Hub and the Guinness Enterprise Centre are vital in allowing new businesses to develop and succeed. The needs of new enterprises are complex and require a wide range of supports, in particular in their early years.
Both countries are currently dealing with a housing crisis. How is Ireland working to combat this challenge, which could lead to a potential ‘brain drain’ if left unresolved?
Housing is a national priority for the Government. Ireland’s population reached 5.4 million in 2024, a rise of more than 33% since 2004. This underlines the enormous economic improvement since my youth, when large numbers of young Irish people left their country to find opportunities for a better life. However, with that great rise in population there has come major growth in housing demand, which needs significant infrastructural investment in sectors such as energy, water services, roads, public transport and many other supports, including educational and medical services for new communities. The Government is working to support expanded infrastructure and to improve planning processes to enable both local and national public agencies and the private and non-profit housing sectors to meet demand. This is clearly a long-term programme and will remain a priority for many years. As for a brain drain, the simple fact is that Ireland has a growing population. Clearly, we want Irish citizens to enjoy their lives in Ireland but, even in my own family, I see young people going abroad. However, in many cases they return to Ireland, enriched after some years overseas.
In recent years, some commentators have suggested that the idea of a united Ireland is no longer a fantasy. Is it something that you envisage becoming reality in the future?
The Good Friday Agreement provides for the unification of Ireland, through the clear and democratic choice of voters across the island of Ireland. The immediate focus for the Government is to strengthen bonds between both parts of the island, including through the Government’s Shared Island Initiative, which aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future. Bringing our people together is a vital first step to building trust and support for a shared future. A future unification of our island will succeed because people from north and south see each other as equals and partners in a shared citizenship. Bringing young people together to cooperate in shared projects will build trust for cooperation throughout their lives.
You are concluding your current posting in a few weeks. How has your experience in Cyprus been?
It has been a great pleasure to live and work in Cyprus and a privilege to represent my country. I believe that Cypriot and Irish people and societies share many characteristics and our people and our governments will work together in the future in trust and friendship. I look forward to continued progress in our relations in many spheres in the years to come.
- This interview was first published in the July issue of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it
