[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
[May 20, 1998]
[Page 817]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Radio Remarks on the Northern Ireland Peace Accord Referendum
May 20, 1998

    Tomorrow the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland 
have an opportunity to join hope to history. I know that as you go to 
the polls and consider the merits of the April 10 accord, you will 
reflect on the past three decades, so marred by hatred and bloodshed, 
fighting and fear. I hope you will also reflect on the decades to come 
and the opportunity you now have in your hands to build a lasting peace 
for yourselves and your children. This Friday, you can turn the common 
tragedy of Northern Ireland's past into a shared triumph for the future.
    As you face the future, you can count on America. We were blessed 
with the arrival of your ancestors and relatives who helped to build our 
Nation. We want to return the favor with trade and investment, with 
friendship and partnership. But to those of any party or persuasion who 
would revert to violence, you must know that you will find no friends in 
America.
    To everyone voting tomorrow, let me say, you can do nothing to erase 
the past, but you can do everything to build the future. The world is 
with you, but the choice is yours. May you make the right choice for 
peace, for your children, for your future. And may God bless you all.

Note: The remarks were recorded at approximately 11:35 a.m. in the Oval 
Office at the White House on May 20 for later broadcast, and they were 
released by the Office of the Press Secretary on May 21. A tape was not 
available for verification of the content of these remarks.