[1][2] Its intended purpose was as a more politically acceptable alternative to the British Isles, which is disliked by some people in Ireland.
Iona also radiated out towards the Europe of the Dark Ages, not to mention Pagan England at Lindisfarne.
In the 17th century, Highland warriors and persecuted Presbyterian Ministers criss-crossed the North Channel.
[4]In a Dáil Éireann debate, Proinsias De Rossa was less enthusiastic: The acronym IONA is a useful way of addressing the coming together of these two islands.
[6] IONA is one of the regions that appoint a representative onto the committee of the World Universities Debating Council.