[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      LASTING PEACE IN NORTHERN IRELAND IN U.S. NATIONAL INTEREST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2001

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, last week was Saint Patrick's Day and Irish 
events all around our country and the globe, commemorated the patron 
Saint of Ireland. The Irish in America proudly celebrated their 
heritage and prayed for lasting peace and justice in the long divided 
and troubled north of Ireland. Along with Ireland's many friends around 
the globe, we joined in that prayer for lasting peace.
  Former President Bill Clinton played an important role, along with 
former Senator George Mitchell, in bringing about the historic Good 
Friday Accord of April 1998 that has the best chance for making that 
peace a reality, if the accord is carried out and honored by all sides.
  Now, I am pleased to note that our new President, George W. Bush, has 
willingly and aggressively picked up the mantle of our continued U.S. 
support for finding and sustaining a lasting peace and justice in the 
north. Unlike any President of the United States in my memory, 
President Bush last week at the White House ceremony for Saint 
Patrick's Day stated, ``It is in our national interest that there be 
lasting peace, a real lasting peace, in Northern Ireland.
  I join with all of the Irish American community in thanking President 
Bush for that strong and unambiguous statement of our continued U.S. 
interest and support in the long and difficult struggle for lasting 
peace in Northern Ireland.
  Mr. Speaker, I request that the full text of President Bush's remarks 
at the White House ceremony for Irish American Leaders held on March 
16, 2001 be included at this point in the Record, and I invite my 
colleagues to review the President's significant supporting statement 
for peace in Ireland and I look forward to join in a bi-partisan effort 
to support the President's initiative here in the Congress.

  Remarks by the President During Reception for Irish-American Leaders

       The President: Thank you very much. It sounds like we 
     invited some rowdy Irish-Americans. (Laughter.) Thank you all 
     for coming. Taoiseach, thank you very much, sir. Secretary of 
     State of Northern Ireland, Dr. Reid; First Minister Trimble; 
     Deputy First Minister Mallon. Thank you all for being here.
       I want to thank the ambassadors who are here; I want to 
     thank the other leaders from Northern Ireland who are here. 
     It's most gracious of you to take your time to come and 
     celebrate St. Patrick's Day with us. Mr. Speaker, it's good 
     to see you again, sir, as well.
       The Taoiseach and I just had an excellent meeting. We spent 
     a good hour of frank dialogue. He gave me Dublin's 
     perspective on the peace process in Northern Ireland, just as 
     Prime Minister Blair gave me London's perspective when we met 
     last month. An Irish proverb tell us that a friends's eye is 
     a good mirror. and I can tell you that what is striking about 
     my meetings with both Prime Minister is now similar their 
     persepective are, how optimistic they are and how determined 
     they are.
       It is clear that all sides want the Good Friday Agreement 
     to succeed. It is also clear that all sides are seeking to 
     overcome very difficult internal obstacles and to keep up 
     forward momentum. The agreement negotiated by both Prime 
     Ministers in Belfast last week is a reflection of a common 
     commitment. As always, we deeply appreciate the efforts.
       And, again, I want to pledge what I said yesterday; the 
     United States stands ready to help. (Applause.) It is in our 
     national interest that there be a lasting peace, a real 
     lasting peace, in Northern Ireland.
       I also want to say how much I appreciate the contributions 
     that Irish-Americans have made to the cause of peace. Many of 
     you are right here in this room, and our nation thanks you. 
     By supporting those committed to a peaceful approach, you're 
     truly giving something back to your native land.
       Today is also about celebrating what Irish-Americans have 
     given to their adopted land. The White House itself was 
     designed by an Irish-Americas. This fact about America's home 
     is symbolic of the contributions made by millions of Irish of 
     both Catholic and Protestant persuasion.
       Your industry and telent and imagination have enriched our 
     commerce and enriched our culture. The strong record of 
     public service has fortified our democracy. And the strong 
     ties to family and faith and community have strengthened our 
     nation's character. In short, the Irish are a big reason why 
     we'll always be proud to call outselves a nation of 
     immigrants.
       Happy St. Patrick's Day. (Applause).
       And now, would you join us, please, for some refreshments 
     in the State Room. Welcome to the White House. (Applause.)