    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [June 13, 1996]
    [Pages 917-918]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a State Dinner Honoring President Mary Robinson of Ireland
    June 13, 1996

        Ladies and gentlemen, President Robinson, Mr. Robinson, members of
    the Irish delegation, Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, distinguished
    guests. Welcome to the largest gathering of Irish-Americans since the
    last Notre Dame football game. [Laughter]
        Hillary and I were hoping that we might with this wonderful dinner
    tonight in some small way repay President Robinson and the people of
    Ireland for the wonderful reception that we and our American delegation
    received there late last year. It was, I think it's fair to say, two of
    the most extraordinary days in the lives of all of us who went. And we
    hope now to give a similar honor to the extraordinary President of
    Ireland.
        From the beginning of her career in public life--and she was elected
    to the Seanad at the age of 25--Mary Robinson has stood unfailingly for
    those on the margins of society, for those without a voice in public
    affairs, for those most in need, for the rights of women and the care of
    the children at home and around the world. She said, ``You have a voice;
    I will make it heard.'' And she has. And Ireland has heeded her strong
    and compassionate call, and indeed the entire world has applauded her
    leadership.
        We are truly glad you are here, Madam President, especially at this
    moment when Ireland is thriving, stronger, more prosperous, and prouder
    than at any time in its rich history. Modern Ireland has stepped forward
    as a nation whose goods are traded around the world and whose music,
    movies, and literature are treasures of global culture. And Ireland is
    playing an even greater role on the world stage to the benefit of
    nations everywhere. Indeed, every day for the last 40 years, somewhere
    in the world an Irish citizen has worked for peace and humanity.
        In the North, though the way is not always easy, a lasting and
    peaceful settlement is closer than at any time in memory, in good
    measure because Ireland has worked so steadfastly for every chance for
    peace.
        The friendship between the United States is stronger than ever.
    Indeed, friendship is an inadequate word for the relationship between
    two nations as intertwined as ours. From the earliest times of our
    history, the Irish have been at the heart of our striving to be a better
    nation. By supporting Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson, Irish
    immigrants helped to prod America to improve and broaden the reach of
    our democracy. They stood unflinchingly for free-

    [[Page 918]]

    dom all the way. Two hundred thousand Irish-Americans fought in our
    Civil War, the most costly part of our journey toward a more perfect
    Union.
        While the Irish made their presence felt in America, we like to
    believe America's presence was felt in Ireland as well. Ideas about
    self-government that developed here were carried across the ocean and
    espoused by leaders like Wolfe Tone, Daniel O'Connell, and Charles
    Stewart Parnell. The devotion of Irish-Americans to the cause of Irish
    liberty and their support of the Irish state is renowned here at home
    and around the world.
        Today we celebrate all these ties and others that go to the deepest
    part of our life and character as a nation. But we cannot imagine
    America without the Irish-Americans. Whether in business or politics,
    the arts or entertainment, or making the life of every community in this
    country a little stronger, they have graced our country in immeasurable
    ways.
        President Robinson, in 1916 Patrick Pearse, the Irish poet and
    patriot, described Irish-Americans as the ``sea-divided Gael.'' It was a
    haunting phrase from a year of bloodshed. Tonight we see that on both
    sides of the sea the Irish are flourishing. The love and joy that unites
    us is far, far broader and stronger than the sea which divides us.
        So ladies and gentlemen, let us all raise a glass to the partnership
    of Ireland and America, to the extraordinary community of Irish-
    Americans for which we are so grateful, and to the President of Ireland
    and her health, well-being, and the future of her beloved country.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:25 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.