    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [March 17, 2004]
    [Pages 405-406]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Saint Patrick's Day Shamrock Presentation Ceremony With
    Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland
    March 17, 2004

        Taoiseach, thank you very much. Thanks for the lovely gift of
    shamrocks. It is a beautiful symbol of a beautiful land. Laura and I welcome you back to the White House. We're
    honored to have you join us to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.
        This day is always a happy one for Americans. In some places,
    Americans get a little too happy. [Laughter] Today we reaffirm the bonds
    of friendship between our countries. We remember a courageous man who
    preached a gospel of peace. We celebrate a heritage that is claimed by
    millions of my countrymen.
        There's an Irish saying that there is luck in sharing. For more than
    two centuries, your country and mine have shared responsibilities. We've
    shared aspirations, and we have shared values. From my Nation's earliest
    days, Americans of Irish descent have helped to establish and define
    America's most cherished principles. They've helped to defend the
    liberty of their adopted homeland.
        Today, the people of the United States and the people of Ireland
    continue to share so much. Our economies are more closely linked than
    ever. Together, we are fighting terrorism, a danger that has brought
    destruction and grief to Americans and Irish alike and to the world. I
    join the Taoiseach in sending condolences to the people of Spain as they
    remembered their murdered countrymen. I thank you for your strong
    support in our common struggle. Our nations are also standing for peace
    and justice in places like the Balkans and Afghanistan and beyond.
        We share a common vision for Northern Ireland. We seek a lasting
    peace for the people of Northern Ireland, a peace that will allow people
    to live free of terror and intimidation. We seek a region that is stable
    and prosperous and tolerant and locally governed. I commend Prime
    Minister Ahern and Prime Minister Blair and all
    of those who are working so hard to implement the Good Friday Agreement.
    I call for a permanent end to all political violence. There's no place
    for paramilitaries in a democratic society.
        The partnership of America and Ireland is close. It is lasting, and
    it is important to the peace of the world. I look forward this summer to
    visiting Ireland for the EU and U.S. Summit, to strengthen the essential
    partnership between the United States and Europe.
        Taoiseach, may the friendship between your people and mine prove as
    strong in the years to come as it has in the centuries past. May all the
    people of our nations have a happy Saint Patrick's Day. We ask God's
    blessings on the people of Ireland, and may God continue to bless the
    United States. Welcome.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:25 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Tony Blair of
    the United Kingdom. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of Prime Minister Ahern.

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