    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 12 (Monday, March 22, 2004)]
    [Page 424]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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 to 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.I57Note: 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.