Dublin-Bethlehem twinning explored

Dublin could be twinned with Bethlehem to mark the millennium, if a plan proposed by the Palestinian ambassador-designate to Ireland comes to pass.

Mr Yousef Allan met the Lord Mayor, Cllr Mary Freehill, last Thursday to make the proposal. Yesterday, he said it had been positively received. The idea has now been wrapped in swaddling clothes while Yousef and Mary await the consideration of the wise men and women of the Mayor's protocol committee, yet to be appointed.

Dublin and Bethlehem already enjoy strong links, according to Mr Allan. The College of Catering in Cathal Brugha Street oversees related courses at Bethlehem University, for example; while, even more aptly, Bethlehem's Holy Family Maternity Hospital operates staff exchanges with the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street, where there may be no room at the inn come December 31st.

There was no one in at the Mansion House yesterday - the Lord Mayor was enjoying a weekend away and could not be contacted. But a spokeswoman said the twinning proposal would most likely be referred to the protocol committee, before being put to a meeting of the city council itself.

Twinnings tend to be of little practical interest to the population at large, having more appeal for public representatives, who have traditionally been ready to join a flight into Egypt, or anywhere else, at the drop of a hat.

Mr Allan says the practical benefits of the Dublin-Bethlehem link-up would include the usual exchange visits and trade missions. But he insists there is added relevance in this case in that both cities are embroiled in long-running peace processes.

The move to Palestinian self-rule has had some similar effects to the economic boom here, he adds: "A lot of people are moving back there too."

Bethlehem is already twinned with a number of cities, including Glasgow, and Dublin is not the only one likely to be added to the list in this special year, Mr Allan admits. But pending a decision on the proposal, relations will be cemented further in October, with a fundraising dinner for the Bethlehem Hospital at which the Taoiseach will be guest of honour.