[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 27 (Friday, March 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        SAINT PATRICK'S DAY 1994

                                 ______


                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 1994

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to rise to call my 
colleagues' attention to the fact that Saint Patrick's Day is once 
again upon us. Around the world the Irish and those who are Irish at 
heart, celebrate this great feast--a feast that is a national holiday 
of the Republic of Ireland. It is a reason for joyous celebration 
around the globe by not only the Irish people, but so many others who 
share the joy and spirit of Ireland's great patron saint.
  It is more than 1,500 years since Saint Patrick converted the 
beautiful Emerald Isle. He has long served as a symbol of hope for the 
Irish people, even in the darkest days and hours, over these many 
centuries. The deep religious faith and devotion he instilled in the 
Irish people continues to this day.
  This year that abiding faith and hope that Saint Patrick instilled in 
the Irish people will be tested once again, as the historic peace talks 
proceed towards a hoped for fair, and just settlement to the 
troublesome situation in Northern Ireland. Courageously, the Prime 
Ministers of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland started talks 
last year, that many in Europe, here in the United States, and around 
the globe, hope will finally bring peace to that troubled part of 
Ireland.
  The United States owes a particular debt of gratitude to Americans of 
Irish birth and descent. Their contributions to America in terms of the 
arts, culture, politics, law enforcement, and sports are well known.
  The history of our country is interwoven with the biographies of 
Irish men and women who have helped to provide leadership to our 
Nation.
  At one point in time, the President, the Speaker of the House, and 
the majority leader of the other body were all Irish-Americans.
  Because of this special relationship with Ireland, the United States 
must play a role in the ongoing and hopeful peace process now in 
progress. Appointment of a special U.S. representative who would focus 
on peace efforts would be a highly important and visible symbol that 
the United States is truly committed to helping all the parties to the 
conflict achieve a just and lasting settlement.
  Those of us in this Congress who seek peace in Ireland must ensure 
that President Clinton lives up to his campaign promise to appoint a 
special envoy to Ireland, as well as his other campaign promises 
regarding Northern Ireland.
  President Clinton wrote me on May 7, 1993, on the issue of peace in 
Northern Ireland. He recounted his high level talks with British Prime 
Minister John Major and with Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds on 
this subject. He said that those ``* * * discussions were the first of 
many we will have with the British and Irish Governments in exploring 
ways to bring an end to the troubles.'' He went on to say, ``* * * if 
there is some way that the United States could make a constructive 
contribution to a political settlement, we would do so.''
  The President's offer of action in support of the peace talks 
hopefully will not be necessary, if the parties proceed on their own to 
a fair, just, and humanitarian solution to the problems in Northern 
Ireland. If, however, the talks falter for whatever reason, those of us 
concerned with seeing a just and fair peace in Northern Ireland, will 
not hesitate to call upon the President's leadership to help move the 
peace talks and process along. Mr. Clinton pledged to do so during the 
last Presidential campaign, and his May 7, 1993, letter to me 
reiterated that commitment.
  The United States must play its rightful role in bringing about peace 
in the North of Ireland. This role is especially timely now as we 
approach Saint Patrick's Day 1994 here in America, and around the 
globe.
  Let us all take advantage of this Saint Patrick's Day to reflect on, 
and support the movement toward a just and lasting peace in Ireland 
today. May this St. Patrick's Day 1994, be the last great day of 
celebration of his feast, at a time when peace does not reign over the 
Emerald Isle.
  Mr. Speaker, I request that President Clinton's letter of May 7, 
1993, on Northern Ireland be inserted at this point in the Record:


                                              The White House,

                                      Washington, DC, May 7, 1993.
     Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Gilman: Thank you for the letter which 
     you and your House colleagues sent me on Northern Ireland. I 
     had the opportunity to discuss Northern Ireland with British 
     Prime Minister John Major and with Irish Prime Minister 
     Albert Reynolds. In my meetings with each of them, I told 
     them that Northern Ireland will be part of our agenda with 
     both countries, and I urged them to redouble their efforts to 
     reconvene the talks on Northern Ireland which were suspended 
     last year.
       My discussions were the first of many we will have with the 
     British and Irish governments in exploring ways we could help 
     to bring an end to the troubles. As for specific initiatives, 
     let me reiterate what I told both leaders: if there is some 
     way that the United States could make a constructive 
     contribution to a political settlement, we would do so. 
     Ultimately, however, it will be up to the parties themselves 
     to end the tragedy in Northern Ireland.
       I appreciate your interest and advice on this and hope you 
     will continue to give me the benefit of your suggestions in 
     the days to come.
           Sincerely,
     Bill Clinton.

                          ____________________