Tony Martin Elected Vice President of Canada-Ireland Parliamentary Group

OTTAWA – Tony Martin – the only Irish-born member of the House of Commons - has been elected vice-president of the Canada-Ireland Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Martin was nominated by Liberal Prince Edward Island MP Wayne Easter (Mapleque).

(left to right) Wayne Easter, MP Malpeque; Sarah Thorenton, parliamentary assistant to Wayne Easter; Tony Martin

“I gave a short speech outlining my Irish pedigree and the fact that I come from Carlingford, Co Louth, the same place in Ireland as Father of Confederation Thomas D’Arcy McGee,” Martin said. “There is a bust of McGee displayed prominently there, unveiled by Brian Mulroney in the 90s.”

The mandate of the Canada-Irish group, one of many Parliamentary associations tying Canada to other countries, is to maintain relations with Irish counterparts. In his nomination speech, Martin spoke about his initiative working as a MPP with then Ambassador to Ireland Ron Irwin to have trade delegations back and forth to Canada and Sault Ste. Marie, the last one being an outbound mission of over 80 people. This included business, education, and cultural as well as genealogical interests.

“I wanted to go on and say more but it was strongly suggested I stop talking and still win the election,” Martin said.

Martin will meet shortly with the association president, Liberal MP Brian Murphy (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe) to plan the group’s business.