Gerry Staunton, Consul General of Ireland spent a couple of days in Denver last month meeting members of the Irish community. He wanted to offer himself as a resource who can be called on to assist with matters concerning the Irish community in Colorado and was open to more frequent visits and contact with this region.Staunton”s visit coincides with a national Irish effort, supported by the Irish Government to reach out to members of Ireland”s Diaspora. September 18-20, The Global Irish Economic Forum was held in Farmleigh House, an estate purchased in 1999 by the Irish Government from the Guinness family, north-west of Dublin’s Phoenix Park.The three-day conference brought together influential members of the global Irish community with records of high achievement in business, culture, as well as a number of individuals with a strong business connection to Ireland. Miche”l Martin, TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs said on conference website, www.globalirishforum.ie , “Over the course of the Forum, attendees explored how the Irish, at home and abroad, and those with a strong interest in Ireland, can work together to contribute to our overall efforts at economic renewal and to build new connections between Ireland and our global community.” Although the Forum was closed to general media, many of the attendees have spoken publicly with positive support of the effort and hopes of future benefits. A report on the conference will be given to the Irish Government for its consideration.Gerry Staunton is a native of Westport, Co Mayo, Ireland, he has been a member of the Irish Foreign Service for almost thirty years. He is married to Mary (McDermott) and they have two adult children, Louise and David. He assumed duty as Consul General of Ireland to the Western United States, based in San Francisco, in August of 2008. The Consulate provides assistance to Irish citizens in the Rocky Mountain west to Alaska, Hawaii, Guam & The Marianas. It is a point of help with applying for Irish citizenship, Irish passports and visas, and other services but also a good source of information on many cultural and economic links between Ireland and the United States. www.consulateofirelandsanfrancisco.org