New Ambassador Presents Credentials

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New Ambassador Presents Credentials

September 24, 2007

By April Drew

THE newly appointed Irish ambassador to the U.S., Michael Collins, presented President George W. Bush with his letter of credence at the White House on Tuesday.

The president welcomed Collins. “It is a joy to welcome you on behalf of the American people as Ireland’s chief envoy to the United States of America,” Bush said.

Collins, who was accompanied by his wife Marie, told the president that Irish people were proud of their relationship with the U.S.

He said that people of Irish descent helped build this country and today they provide “a living bridge” between both countries. He told the president that the Irish government was “deeply committed” to the welfare of their Irish citizens in the U.S., a clear reference to the plight of the Irish undocumented.

Bush responded with the same description of the relationship between the U.S. and Ireland. “The ties between Ireland and the U.S. are deep and broad, as deep as the Irish family roots that 45 million Americans proudly claim and as broad as the extensive network of trade and commerce that flows between our countries,” said Bush.

Collins, a native of Dublin, went on to describe the close economic relationship between both countries where Irish companies have crossed the Atlantic and invested in the U.S. market and how, for years, U.S companies have brought jobs and opportunity to Ireland.

Collins, 54, confirmed that the partnership between both counties would remain strong in years to come, especially in the context of Ireland’s membership to the European Union.

He also touched on the growing numbers of Irish citizens visiting the country for pleasure, which he said was associated with the new EU-U.S. open skies agreement.

Collins, touching on the peace process, spoke about the welcoming developments that have taken place in Northern Ireland. Collins, who was second secretary general to the taoiseach (prime minister), worked closely with various U.S. politicians in connection with the peace process, and said the Irish government recognized the support the U.S. has given Ireland on this issue.

He also acknowledged Bush’s own interest in bringing peace to the North. Collins also praised the determination and energy of the U.S. Northern Ireland envoy Paula Dobriansky prior to the peace process.

Bush commended Collins’ own involvement in the peace process. “I know your personal leadership and commitment to the peace process was critical in reaching this historic achievement,” Bush said.

Wishing the new ambassador good fortune, the president concluded, “As you take up your duties, we look forward to continued cooperation on the global challenge that we face; to further expansion of the strong economic partnership that our peoples enjoy; and the renewal of family ties and friendships which bind us.”

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