[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 24 (Monday, June 17, 1996)]
[Pages 1058-1059]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a State Dinner Honoring President Robinson

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 unfailing 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 freedom 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.

[[Page 1059]]

    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 gentleman, 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.