The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the President George Bush in Washington today that ten years after his first St Patrick's Day visit he could now report that peace had been achieved in Ireland.
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern presents President Bush with a bowl of shamrocks during a St Patrick's Day ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington today.
Speaking after the two leaders took part in the traditional St Patrick's Day shamrock ceremony, Mr Ahern said: "On so many occasions over the years I wondered whether we could one day return here with news of a process completed, of success finally achieved. This morning, Mr. President, I am enormously pleased, and proud, to stand here and say to you: peace had been achieved in Ireland."
The Taoiseach thanked President Bush for the role he played, citing the three envoys appointed to Northern Ireland, "all of whom have contributed so positively to addressing the many challenges that we have had to face."
"Your personal role in this precious achievement is deeply appreciated, as is the commitment and support of our friends in previous Administrations, on Capitol Hill and in our Irish-American community," Mr Ahern said.
"Today is a day when we say 'thank you' to this great country for all that you have done and continue to do for Ireland - an Ireland which on this St Patrick's Day 2008 enjoys peace, partnership and rising prosperity."
Mr Ahern said he was looking forward to the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Executive, as was agreed at St Andrews. "This will be the last piece in the jigsaw that will give us the durable peace and prosperity we have been working for all these years."
He also called for a resolution of the issue of the undocumented Irish in America. "It is our fervent wish that a resolution will be found, as soon as possible, to the plight of those in our community here who cannot fully enjoy the freedom and promise of this great nation."
The devolution of policing is important but the United States knows "full well that more progress can and will be made", President George Bush said.
Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams were among around 100 invited guests at the ceremony, designed to symbolise the deep cultural roots between the US and Ireland.
Mr Bush, who was in a buoyant mood and frequently made jokes during his speech, said the White House Talks with Mr McGuinness and Northern Ireland's First Minister Ian Paisley last year were a "historic moment for me personally and really, really important".
"I came away with the impression that obviously the United States need to help, and we will, but nothing will happen without the clear conviction and determination of the folks of Northern Ireland," Mr Bush said.
"There's more work to be done. The devolution of policing is important, and we support that. But we can also help by sending a clear signal that we're interested in investment opportunities."
He said the US would send a "high level delegation" to the economic conference in Belfast in May, which will also be attended by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and New York mayor Michael Bloomberg.