THE LEADERSHIP of the United States is more crucial than ever at this time of global challenge, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said last night on the eve of his meeting with president Barack Obama.
At the annual dinner of the American Ireland Fund in Washington, Mr Cowen said that the global financial crisis had impacted on everybody over the past six months.
“This is the greatest challenge facing us and one which I will discuss with President Obama when we meet at the White House tomorrow morning. It is a time when the leadership of the United States is more crucial than ever,” he said.
Mr Cowen paid tribute to Tony O’Reilly and Dan Rooney for founding the American Ireland Fund 35 years ago.
Mr Rooney, who was at last night’s dinner, is expected to be announced as the new US ambassador to Ireland by Mr Obama.
The Taoiseach said his story exemplified the Irish immigrant story. “He is not only an Irishman of whom we are immensely proud but someone who has never lost sight of his roots and his sense of values.” He added that many at home had followed the success of Mr Rooney’s American football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“More seriously though, it is truly remarkable to witness a gathering such as this to celebrate our national day, despite all the challenges which you face at present. It reminds me that, in the face of the greatest challenges, the steadfast loyalty to your heritage and the care of your homeland is as solid and sincere as ever.”
Also among the guests at the dinner last night were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, Congressmen Richie Neal and Joe Crowley, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Shaun Woodward, the North’s Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, the Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, and Ian Paisley jnr.
Mr Cowen added that as a small open economy Ireland had suffered significantly from the impact of the global crisis.
“We are taking tough decisions. They are not easy decisions, but they are designed to protect jobs, the future and the welfare of our citizens and our long-term strength as a competitor abroad.” The Taoiseach added that he had travelled to New York and Washington with a trade mission which represented some of the best and brightest of the country’s business leaders.
He also referred to the defeat of the Lisbon Treaty and the challenge it posed to Ireland and to the EU.
“I believe that the Irish people will support the treaty later this year. We are a country fundamentally committed to our place in Europe and to the future of the European Union.”
Turning to recent events in Northern Ireland, Mr Cowen said that a tiny evil minority had sought to destroy what the people of Ireland had built.
“The people and their democratic representatives answered them with one voice. They did not succeed. They cannot succeed. They will not succeed,” he said.