[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 35 (Thursday, March 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E361-E362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              FRIENDS OF IRELAND, ST. PATRICK'S DAY, 1996

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 1996

  Mr. WALSH Mr. Speaker, though in the course of Irish history there 
have been many extraordinary years, surely the time since the Friends 
of Ireland's last St. Patrick's Day statement must be labeled one of 
significance.
  With the exhilaration of hope, we participated on the heels of a 
year-long cease fire in the march toward peace. We joined the historic 
visit to Northern Ireland by President Bill Clinton, the first by a 
sitting U.S. President. Our bipartisan congressional delegation met 
with political leaders in Northern Ireland and in the Republic. We 
carried a message of peace from Speaker Newt Gingrich.
  A month ago we were shocked by the interruption of that peace, and 
the resumption of violence by one group. We were shocked, because we 
had come to believe in the possibility of a permanent peace.
  Now we are again heartened by a promise to convene all-party talks on 
June 10.

[[Page E362]]

  In light of events, it is important for us at this juncture to 
condemn outright the bombings by the enemies of peace. Whatever their 
faction, whatever their affiliations, whatever their politics, we are 
unanimous in saying this.
  By killing and terrorizing, you have set back the struggle. By 
disrupting the lives of innocents, you have not judiciously brought 
attention to the history of discrimination in the north. Instead you 
have validated suspicion and mistrust and made the job of peacemaking 
that much more difficult.
  Having made this plea, we in the Friends of Ireland send our 
sympathies to all the families who have been the victims of violence 
and terror over the years. Like a wound re-opened, this breach of the 
peace pains you perhaps the most.
  At the same time we congratulate the masses of people, Protestant and 
Catholic, unionist and republican, who have demonstrated to take back 
the peace. We stand with them in spirit and encourage them 
wholeheartedly.
  It is significant that 1 year ago, in our St. Patrick's Day 
statement, we spoke confidently about peace as a result of the cease 
fire. We now look hopefully toward next year when we may speak of cease 
fire and peace as a result of all-party talks.
  We note that St. Patrick's Day is both a Catholic and Protestant 
holiday. The Friends use this occasion to remember and restate our 
commitment to all the people of Ireland. And it is important for all 
Irish people to know that we believe firmly in the philosophy of the 
Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, with whom our congressional 
delegation met when in Dublin with the President in December. Simply 
stated, the philosophy is this: There must be room in Ireland's future 
for all the cultures and traditions of its past.
  We will continue to support economic assistance by way of the 
International Fund for Ireland and other means. Established in 1986, 
the Fund creates jobs, which in turn promote social development, which 
in turn encourages reconciliation among all groups. We believe this all 
the more after touring with President Clinton at a business park in 
Belfast supported by the Fund.
  Lastly, we applaud the work of former Senator George Mitchell, the 
President's envoy, and stand ready to assist his significant effort in 
any way we can.
  It is a tentative time in Ireland. While in Belfast just a few months 
ago, many of us met with the political leaders on all sides of the 
struggle. We heard consistently, even from those who are affiliated 
with paramilitaries on both sides, that peace is an honorable goal, a 
desirable goal. Events may have slowed the advance of peace--but we do 
not believe violence can ever erase the desire.
  The Friends of Ireland properly represents the will of the United 
States as it relates to our alliance with the people of Ireland, north 
and south. We want very much for there to be peace and prosperity in 
Ireland.
  We pledge our continued friendship. We will work tirelessly for 
peace. And we pray that all leaders will have the wisdom and patience 
to make this another extraordinary year in Irish history--one which 
brings what the people demand, a lasting peace.

                          ____________________