[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 66 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NORTHERN IRELAND ELECTIONS

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, with the recent celebration of Easter and 
the results of the May 5th Assembly elections in Northern Ireland, 
there is no better time for those in Northern Ireland and members of 
the Irish Diaspora around the world to renew their commitment to peace 
and power-sharing in Northern Ireland.
  With some areas gaining new representation, and some choosing to 
reelect their leaders, we are reminded of the need for constructive 
political discourse and peaceful debate about the issues that are of 
greatest concern to the people of Northern Ireland.
  The 1998 Good Friday agreement highlighted a commitment to 
``exclusively peaceful and democratic means'' and this example should 
be continued to be followed every day.
  Irish Americans and all Americans can continue to show their support 
for a peaceful political process and the importance of such an 
agreement will be highlighted later this month with the President's 
visit to Ireland.
  The two leading parties, the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein, have 
had both of their leaders show public support for continuing peaceful 
negotiations and represent political parties that have pledged to work 
together.
  They have realized that even though their parties may have differing 
views on certain issues, it does not immediately preclude them from 
working together. This is a lesson from which we can all learn.
  Recently, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams released a statement 
regarding not only the importance of a commitment to peace by the 
Irish, but also by Irish Americans.
  The future of Northern Ireland depends on renewing a commitment to 
peace and continuing to value the opinions and thoughts of all those 
that contribute to political and community discussions.
  It is critical that the U.S. remain involved in the issues of 
Northern Ireland. We can work with the Irish to secure a future where 
power can continue to be shared amongst parties, where differing points 
of view are heard and respected, and where differences of opinions are 
not met with violence and death, but with open minds and hearts.

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