[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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