[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A HISTORIC VOTE FOR PEACE

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                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 1998

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, today the people throughout 
Ireland will make a historic vote for peace and progress. I would like 
to commend all of the leaders who have worked assiduously to reach this 
agreement to establish a political framework to reunite the people of 
Ireland.
  For lasting peace to take hold in Northern Ireland, economic 
stability and growth must be achieved. The Republic of Ireland is often 
referred to as the ``Celtic Tiger'' because of the strides that its 
citizens have made in building their economy and in attracting foreign 
investment capital. The same pattern of growth and development as 
occurred in the Republic now needs to take hold in the North of 
Ireland.
  Secretary of Commerce Richard Daley will lead a trade mission this 
June to promote economic development and private investment by U.S. 
firms. I support this initiative because long term stability is 
directly linked to economic prosperity. History has shown that the key 
to resolving longstanding tension is through economic expansion.
  Mr. Speaker, today the people of Ireland are making a choice on 
whether they wish to move forward or return to the violence and the 
bloodshed of the past. This vote is an important step in the journey 
toward peace and trust. I commend the U.S. and foreign leaders who will 
make peace a reality by their work to encourage investment and growth 
in Northern Ireland.

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