[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 44 (Friday, March 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF MICHAEL McDOWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 14, 2008

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Michael 
McDowell, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Ireland, 
as we welcome him to Cleveland, Ohio, on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 
2008.
   For almost 30 years, Tim Collins and Thomas Scanlon have organized 
the St. Patrick's Day Party and Parade, a festive event that brings 
people together in the heart of Cleveland. On this exceptional day, 
Cleveland's streets are a sea of green, full with the lively sounds of 
traditional Irish music, laughter and the spirit of all those joining 
together to celebrate rich Irish culture.
   Born in Dublin, Ireland in May 1951, Michael McDowell followed in 
the footsteps of his grandfather by dedicating his life to public 
service and leadership. Mr. McDowell has a decorated political history 
as a founding member of the Progressive Democrats Political Party, in 
which he served as President from 2002-2006. While leading the 
Progressive Democrats Party, he also held the distinguished post of 
Tanaiste. He was one of 14 Progressive Democrat Teachta Dala's elected 
to Dail Eireann in the 1987 general election, the first election after 
the party was founded. In this position, he represented Dublin's South 
East constituency from 1987-1989, 1992-1997 and 2002-2007. In 2002, he 
began his 5-year tenure as Ireland's Minister of Justice, Equality and 
Law Reform, and served as Attorney General from 1999 to 2002.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of former Irish politician, Michael McDowell, for joining us as we 
celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Cleveland. Please also join me in 
recognition of Tim Collins and Thomas Scanlon for their efforts in 
organizing this marvelous St. Patrick's Day Party this year, as they 
have for almost 30-years.

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