Irish finance minister praises former pupil

I have been fortunate enough to travel the world as a journalist but what really impresses people are not my tales from far-flung places but the fact that Michael Noonan, the Irish finance minister, taught me English.

In China, the appreciation of those who pass on knowledge runs deep and taps into a Confucius strain that values the teacher more highly than any other title. For that ex-teacher to be the finance minister makes people think that I am a favored son of heaven. The reality was more down to earth but I don't bore my Chinese colleagues with too many of the finer details of my humble background.

I had the opportunity to finally meet my old teacher in Beijing when he accompanied Irish President Michael D. Higgins to an embassy reception in Beijing in December.