Polish ambassador Witold Sobków, who leaves Dublin this month at the end of his four-year posting, reflects on his time here when the number of Poles living in Ireland rose from 5,000 to 150,000
My posting in Ireland has been a fascinating period in my life. I arrived just before the second Nice referendum and was able to be involved, almost immediately, in the campaign, presenting the importance of an Irish Yes vote for Poland's EU accession.
In 2002 all the eyes in Poland were directed towards Ireland because the Nice Treaty was about enlargement and the Irish vote was crucial for the process of enlargement. We realised that the Irish vote on the Nice Treaty was the most important decision to be taken in Ireland on the EC/EU since 1972, and Ireland did not fail us.
In 2004 Ireland again was the centre of attention in Poland, as it assumed the presidency of the council of the EU. The wide range of tasks to be undertaken during the Irish presidency demanded considerable skill and effort, especially as the presidency came at a historic time for the EU - its most extensive enlargement since its establishment. The accession of 10 member states on May 1st, 2004, was the highlight of the presidency, when Ireland welcomed the new members on behalf of the Union. This historic event was celebrated around Europe and throughout Ireland in a special day of welcome for the new partners. Poland was honoured in Letterkenny.
I was lucky to witness all the events. The Irish presidency showed how Ireland could be successful, efficient and influential in European affairs. For me, it was a precious experience in itself.
Ireland, in many ways similar to Poland, has always been regarded in Poland with great sympathy as an enthusiastic supporter of enlargement and as an example of a huge success resulting from its membership of the European Communities.
The Irish can pride themselves on being good Europeans. Poland, as a member of the EU, wishes to follow Ireland's path, to become a second Ireland on this continent.
Enlargement was good news for the Irish business community. It gave Irish entrepreneurs a better access to the 39-million Poland market.
New states joining the EU became subject to all the disciplines of membership, including state-aid rules, environmental regulations, transparent processes and social directives, and do not pose a serious cost-based threat to Irish investors operating in a research and development, as well as innovation-focused, environment.
The EU is also about sharing principles and values of democracy, freedom and justice. New members have brought diversity into the European Union, which should be of great importance for Ireland, as there are so many parallels in our nations' histories and traditions.
We joined ranks with Ireland in the EU to make a modern, democratic, transparent, efficient, less bureaucratic, more competitive and dynamic, enlarged Union an even more significant global player. Together we enhance stability and prosperity in Europe, which is in the interest of the whole continent.
When I arrived in Ireland there were about 5,000 Poles living and working here; at present there are perhaps 150,000, thanks to the generous decision of the Government to open on May 1st, 2004, without restrictions, the Irish labour market to immigrants from the 10 accession countries.
I could see Polish shops mushrooming in Dublin; the Polish church is full every Saturday evening and every Sunday - more than 8,000 Poles attend the Masses regularly; I can read Polish newspapers published in Ireland and watch Polish programmes on Irish cable TV.
The saddest moment of my stay was, however, when I had to witness the illness and death of Pope John Paul II, when the hearts of Poles, as well as of the Irish, were filled with profound grief. But we also felt pride that the many centuries of profound spirituality of the Polish people had produced such an outstanding and holy figure, who gave so much to this world.
John Paul II was the great apostle of reconciliation. He made a remarkable contribution to the fall of the Iron Curtain and enlargement of the European Union, thus helping many countries to rebuild their co-operation paths, and enabling citizens to regain their sovereign rights and sense of dignity.
The fact that Poland has changed beyond any recognition is to a huge extent Cardinal Karol Wojtyla's legacy.
The final years of the ministry of John Paul II were heroic. He was fighting for a cause but he was also fighting with himself, with his suffering. He never stopped fighting, even for a moment. He thus showed an enormous willpower. He continued to teach and to write and he stayed closely in touch with other people until the very end. And until the end he served, as much as he could, those who needed him.
I admired how the Irish experienced the Pope's illness and death - with sadness, dignity, solidarity and love.
My wife, whom I met in Ireland, and I will always cherish our stay in Ireland. We will remember Irish hospitality, tolerance, openness, friendship, the unconditional help given to people in need. We admire the extraordinary Irish President, Irish politicians able to impartially mediate in European and global affairs, Irish NGOs which set an example on how to do things to alleviate poverty, hunger, and epidemics. We will always miss our Irish friends and the beautiful landscapes of Irish counties.