WASHINGTON:TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen expressed the hope after his meeting Us president Barack Obama yesterday that there would be a "satisfactory outcome" to the US administration's review of its corporate tax regime.
Mr Cowen said Mr Obama had made it clear that he did not regard Ireland as a tax haven.
Mr Cowen said that during the 40-minute meeting they had discussed the global recession, the banking system in both countries and the problems that had been created for restarting credit facilities.
He added that Mr Obama had referred to the need for international co-operation to generate confidence. Mr Obama also raised the role of the European Union in generating a cohesive international response to the crisis.
“I told him I would update EU colleagues later this week on his views,” said Mr Cowen following a very hectic morning of engagements.
Earlier, after presenting a bowl of shamrock to the US president in the White House, Mr Cowen invited Mr and Mrs Obama to visit Ireland.
On the issue of Northern Ireland he said that at the darkest hour, the US had been a constant source of hope and support and a trusted guide.
“We all know that the process of peace-building and of reconciliation takes patience and perseverance. In recent days, an evil, unrepresentative and tiny minority has challenged the democratic institutions which we have built together in Ireland,” Mr Cowen said.
“The people of Ireland, North and South, have risen to that challenge . . . They have stood by peace, reconciliation, democracy, and freedom,” he said.
On a lighter note, Mr Cowen responded to a reference by the president to his distant ancestor from Offaly. “Can I say, Mr President, you were saying you were trying to work out if we’re related or not. I just want to say that I have checked, and unfortunately, there are no Kearneys on the electoral register anymore in my electoral district. But if there were, I assure you, I’d have them on my campaign team.”
Mr Cowen said that during the US presidential election, Mr Obama had captivated the hearts and minds of millions of people.
“On the island of Ireland, across Europe, and across the continent, indeed, your story and your message of hope were truly inspirational and universal in their appeal. We offer you our warmest congratulations, our good wishes, and our steadfast support.”
He added that Irish America was bound together by a green thread woven through the great cities and into the heartland and length and breadth of the country.
“St Patrick, of course, was an immigrant to our shores. He brought with him the great gift of faith, and in doing so he changed our country so much for the better. The Irish, in turn, brought this message of hope . . . around the globe, including to this great nation.
“It is my firm conviction that America’s leadership, your leadership, will be at the heart of that global resurgence . . . But we also have to stand together in partnership. In Ireland you will find, Mr President, the most steadfast of friends.”
Later at a lunch on Capitol Hill hosted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Mr Cowen compared Mr Obama to Daniel O’Connell, the architect of Catholic emancipation.
“Thank you for all your country has done for mine,” said Mr Cowen.