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b"Ambassador Eamonn McKee graduated from UCD with a degree in history (modern Irish) and economics in 1982, followed by a Ph.D. from the National University of Ireland in 1987 for a thesis on Irish economic policy,1939 to 1952. The Ambassador joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1986 and worked in Anglo-Irish Division, which would become the focus for his work for the following twenty years, including for six years at the Embassy Washington from 1990 to 1996. Professionally, Washington was incredibly fulfilling, involving as it did engagement with Congress on immigration reform and with the Clinton White House on the emerging Northern Ireland Peace Process. Professional and personal life crossed when he met Congressman Bruce Morrison\\u2019s legislative staffer, Mary Rae McGillis while lobbying for Irish visas. Ireland got the visas and he got a wife and later three wonderful children. The Ambassador served twice more in Anglo-Irish Division focused on security issues, including Bloody Sunday, contentious parades, policing and confidence in the rule of law, the use of lethal force, the Cory process and criminal justice reform. He was honoured to be a member of the Irish Government\\u2019s talks team that negotiated the Good Friday Agreement and was later involved in its implementation on the policing and justice agenda. He served for two years as press officer at the Consulate General New York. From 2004 He served in Irish Aid (on the emergency humanitarian side), as UN Director and founding Director of the Conflict Resolution Unit. He served as Ambassador to Seoul (2009-13) and Israel (2013-2015). He took up duty as Director General, Trade and Promotion Division in August 2015. The Ambassador has been blogging for a number of years, drawing inspiration from the countries to which he has been posted but mainly from his interests which are predominantly Ireland and it's history. You can find them on his website: www.eamonncmckee.com Frank Flood, Consul General of Ireland, Vancouver Frank Flood is Ireland's first Consul General of Ireland in Vancouver. The opening of a Consulate General Office in Vancouver is a recognition of the strong historical links between Western Canada and Ireland. This is reflected in the number of Irish people, of all ages and backgrounds living and working in British Columbia. Building on the work of the Irish Embassy in Ottawa and the Honorary Consul General in Vancouver, the Consulate will work to promote and protect Irish community interests in the Vancouver area by: Providing high quality consular services and support for the Irish diaspora. Facilitating the promotion of Ireland\\u2019s economic interests through our support of the Irish state agencies. Further strengthening the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Ireland."