    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [March 16, 2007]
    [Pages 322-323]
    [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 16, 2007

        Thank you. Taoiseach, good morning, or, should I say, ``Top o' the
    morning.'' [Laughter] I'm really pleased that you came back to the White
    House. I'm looking forward to our discussions. And I cannot thank you
    enough for your strong leadership in resolving the issues of Northern
    Ireland, and I stand ready to help.
        I gratefully accept the bowl of shamrocks. I am delighted that you
    have joined us, once again, to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. Saint
    Patrick's Day is an occasion that unites two distinct groups of
    Americans: those who are of Irish descent and those who wish they were.
    [Laughter] Whether they're Irish today or every day, Americans are
    grateful for our country's Irish heritage and the enduring friendship
    that exists between Ireland and the United States is strong.
        The ties that bind our two nations stretch all the way back to our
    country's founding. Ireland gave us at least nine signers of the
    Declaration of Independence and many more who risked their lives to
    defend it. Irish Americans fought valiantly to preserve the Union in our
    Civil War. They helped turn back the totalitarian ideologies of the 20th
    century. And they're fighting bravely in today's war on terror, risking
    their lives to secure a future of freedom and peace for generations to
    come.
        Many of Ireland's sons and daughters came to our shores to escape
    poverty and famine. Once here, they helped us build and strengthen this
    great Nation with their gifts of industry and talent and faith. Irish
    workers built our railroads, our cathedrals, and our cities. Irish
    writers and musicians have enriched our literature and our culture.
    Irish priests and nuns established parochial schools that have helped
    generations of children build lives of prosperity and purpose. And with
    their many contributions, Irish Americans remind us of our heritage as a
    nation of immigrants and our duty to remain a welcoming society.
        In 1783, President George Washington--I refer to him as the first
    George W.--[laughter]--wrote to recent Irish immigrants in New York that
    ``America is open to receive the oppressed and persecuted of all
    nations,'' and he expressed his wish that the blessings of equal liberty
    and unrestrained commerce would one day prevail in Ireland.

    [[Page 323]]

        Well, today, Ireland is a free, independent, and very prosperous
    nation. Ireland now has one of the fastest growing economies in Europe.
    And over the past decade, our two nations have enjoyed a strong and
    growing trade relationship. And as Ireland prospers, a land whose people
    came to America seeking a better life is now attracting to its own
    shores immigrants with those very same dreams.
        It has been said that the Irish, like the presence of God, are to be
    found everywhere. On this Saint Patrick's Day, we're grateful for the
    presence of the Irish in our country. And we are blessed by your
    presence here at the White House, Taoiseach. I thank you for coming to
    help us celebrate Saint Patrick's Day and honor the friendship between
    our two nations. In the words of the Irish proverb: ``May the Lord keep
    you in His hand and never close His fist too tight.'' [Laughter]
        Thanks for coming.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:55 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of Prime Minister Ahern.