“Ireland’s future prosperity depends on nurturing our priceless
global connections and on developing the international trade and
investment opportunities which will help us to return to strong
economic growth. St Patrick’s Day provides us with an unparalleled
opportunity to achieve this.” (Taoiseach Brian Cowen)The
Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen TD, has announced the programme for his
visit to the United States and his first meeting with President
Obama to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
The key elements of the programme are:
- the traditional presentation of the shamrock by the
Taoiseach to President Obama
- a bilateral meeting between the Taoiseach and the
President at the White House that is expected to focus on the global
economic crisis
- the St Patrick’s Day lunch on Capitol Hill, hosted by
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ms Nancy Pelosi
- a keynote address by the Taoiseach on the future
development of US-Ireland relations, building on a report by
Ireland’s Ambassador to the US which was commissioned by the
Taoiseach on his first official visit to America in 2008
- a trade mission involving upwards of 100 Irish exporters
- meetings with leading US political and business leaders
and with key figures in Irish America
- addresses at the US-Ireland Council Luncheon in New York
and the American Ireland Fund Dinner in Washington
The Taoiseach will be accompanied by the Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin TD.
The Taoiseach’s visit will be complemented by a series of ministerial
missions to other key US cities, as well as a limited number of other
key international locations. All programmes will feature a strong
economic content.
