Ambassador Collins Meets With President Bush

The new Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, Mr Michael Collins, presented his Credentials to President Bush at the White House on Tuesday. The Ambassador was accompanied by his wife, Marie.

In his remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Collins said that the Irish people were proud of their warm and close relationship with the United States - a relationship which had spanned the generations and which continues to grow in depth and strength.

He said that people of Irish descent had helped build this great country and today provide "a living bridge" between the United States and Ireland.

He said that the Irish Government was deeply committed to the development of this vital human dimension to our relationship and to the welfare of Irish citizens in the United States.

Ambassador Collins said that the United States and Ireland enjoy an especially close economic relationship. US companies predominate among the foreign investors who have brought jobs and prosperity to Ireland, especially in the last decade.

He said that a mutually beneficial partnership between Ireland and the United States will continue and develop in the years to come, especially in the context of Ireland's membership of the European Union.

Turning to the peace process, the Ambassador said that recent times had seen welcome developments in Northern Ireland.

The Good Friday Agreement, power-sharing and the most positive political climate in generations had been secured.

The Ambassador said that the unselfish and even-handed support which the United States has given to the peace process, had been an enormous encouragement to those who have been involved in all of these historic events.

He said that the Irish Government welcomed the interest that the President had personally shown in bringing peace to Ireland and the continuing commitment of the United States to consolidate progress through economic stimulation and investment. He commended the energy and determination of Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky in advancing the process at this time.

The Ambassador concluded his remarks by saying that he hoped that during his tenure as Ambassador the links between Ireland and the United States would be further strengthened and developed.