One Pair of Eyes — Season 1, Episode 30: Sir Con O'Neill: Britain Through Foreign Eyes

Episode synopsis

Sir Con O'Neill is one of Britain's top diplomats - British Charge d'Affaires in Peking, British Ambassador to Finland, and, more recently, British Ambassador to the Common Market. He revisits Belgium, Finland, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland to illustrate his experiences of Britain's image abroad. Sir Con thinks there is only one way to prevent Britain from 'sinking giggling into the North Sea.' 'We are liked enormously - for our record in war and for our happy attitude to life. And yet there are doubts - we are losing the world's confidence in our ability to keep our promises in both industrial and political fields. Our casual outlook puts us in danger of losing our status as a successful nation. Happiness or success - the choice must be made.'

About One Pair of Eyes

A monthly series of highly personal documentary films in which individuals are given a platform to discuss issues close to their heart.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1James Cameron: Temporary Person Passing Through
• E2Dr Alex Comfort: A Traveller in the Dreamtime
• E3Anthony Howard: A City of Magnificent Intentions
• E4Nicholas Tomalin: No Worse Heresy
• E5James Cameron: The Road to Kingdom Come
• E6Jo Grimond: The Dead Hand of Democracy
• E7Peter Wilson: You've Got to Win
• E8Norman Parkinson: Stay Baby Stay
• E9Sir Tyrone Guthrie: Off to Philadelphia
• E10James Cameron: Berlin - The Haunted House
• E11Margaret Drabble: A Place Called Exile
• E12Claud Cockburn: One More River To Cross