IRISH RESPONSE TO OSCE CHAIRMANSHIP - THANKS, BUT

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 001135 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/29/2014 TAGS: PREL OSCE SUBJECT: IRISH RESPONSE TO OSCE CHAIRMANSHIP - THANKS, BUT NO THANKS REF: STATE 162851 Classified By: DCM Jane B. Fort per 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C)During a farewell call on July 28 to DFA Secretary General Dermott Gallagher, DCM raised reftel points regarding GOI's possible bid for the OSCE Chairmanship in 2007. Gallagher stated the GOI seriously considered becoming a candidate, but decided against it primarily due to the general election in mid-2007 in which most Irish senior government officials (notably the foreign minister) will be involved in campaigning. Gallagher stated that Ireland would consider a future bid at a later time, but a 2007 bid has been ruled out at the most senior level. ¶2. (C)Comment: The 2007 election dominates GOI concerns after Fianna Fail's (Ahern's party) pasting in the June local elections. In the cabinet re-shuffle expected in mid-September, Foreign Minster Cowen is rumored to be slated for Minister of Finance. Should this happen, it is possible a new FM would be more agreeable to a 2007 bid. Post will follow-up as appropriate. End Comment. KENNY