BRITAIN:A statement from British prime minister Tony Blair was read at the Great Irish Famine Event weekend at Millstreet, Co Cork, on June 1st, 1997:
"The Famine was a defining event in the history of Ireland and of Britain. It has left deep scars. That one million people should have died in what was then part of the richest and most powerful nation in the world is something that still causes pain as we reflect on it today.
"Those who governed in London at the time failed their people through standing by while a crop failure turned into a massive human tragedy. We must not forget such a dreadful event.
"It is also right that we should pay tribute to ways in which the Irish people have triumphed in the face of this catastrophe.
"Britain in particular has benefited immeasurably from the skills and talents of Irish people, not only in areas such as music, the arts and the caring professions but across the whole spectrum of our political, economic and social life.
"Let us therefore today not only remember those who died but also celebrate the resilience and courage of those men and women who were able to forge another life outside Ireland, and the rich culture and vitality they brought with them," Mr Blair said.
"Britain, the US and many Commonwealth countries are richer for their presence."