What’s gone wrong? Irish-North Korean relations collapse

Unless one is a fan of some of the organisations which generally only come to our attention courtesy of the Cedar Lounge’s Irish Left Archive, chances are you don’t generally follow the Korean Central New Agency. Unfortunately, you would be a lesser person for that, as the voice of the world’s most secretive regime is always worth a gander. Now, bar the odd visit from Workers Party grandees to North Korea, or the holding of pro-North Korean events over here, Ireland doesn’t get much of a mention by the North Koreans. However, one thing which we always got was a friendly message from one of the head honchos in the North Korean government wishing us a happy St. Patrick’s Day.

For example in 2005:

Greetings to President of Ireland

Pyongyang, March 17 (KCNA) — Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People’s Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Mary Mcaleese , president of Ireland, on Mar. 17 on the occasion of its national day. In the belief that the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries would grow stronger, he wished the Irish people well-being and prosperity.

Obviously these important messages were not covered by the Irish media – capitalists running dogs one and all. However, these messages have stopped, and none is to be seen on the KCNA website for March 17th, or days around it.

So, what’s changed? Why don’t we get any happy Paddys Day messages from the North Koreans? Did we not say thanks, or did we forget to return the favour? Have we offended them more generally, or do they no longer think us important enough for this postcard? Surely, the citizens of Ireland deserve answers?