Ahern: Anglo-Irish links are now
stronger
 Ireland
and Britain have come a long way by acting together according to Taoiseach
Bertie Ahern.
Mr Ahern was speaking in London this week at the annual conference of
the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
He praised British and Irish relations and said the two countries have
taken their relationship onto a new plane.
He said: “We have replaced conflict with co-operation. We are working
closely together to realise the progressive vision of the Good Friday
Agreement.
“We are busily trading with each other and investing heavily in
each other. We are holidaying in each other’s countries and enjoying
each other’s cultures while cherishing our own.
“Our economies and our peoples have benefited enormously as a result.”
Mr Ahern went on to say that both Ireland and Britain face many common
challenges in the years ahead and urged the two countries to keep working
closely together as they take on the challenges.
According to Mr Ahern the links between cultures and language make Britain
the first port of call for many Irish companies, especially newer or smaller
businesses taking their first steps into exporting.
But Mr Ahern said: “The relationship is by no means one way. Ireland
is Britain’s fourth largest export market and the largest on a per
capita basis, accounting for £13.7billion in 2004.”
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