Politicians To 'Drown Shamrock' In USA

Saint Patrick's Day in the USA this week will see the traditional presentation of the shamrock to President Barack Obama as well as the important 17th March lunch on Capitol Hill.

Politics and business will still be going on too behind the green beer and other saint's day celebrations as the Irish Taoiseach, Brian Cowen will have "engagements with political leaders from the Northern Ireland Executive".

Mr Cowen, who flew to the USA on Friday said that he will meet the Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson, (pictured) Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and the new SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie. The MLA for South Down said: "For 40 years the SDLP has worked hard to build up international good will and support for Ireland in the United States."

As well as the main event, hosted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ms Nancy Pelosi, the politicians will also see Vice-President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and hold meetings with Irish community representatives in the Mid-West, California and Washington, as well as political leaders including Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois and Mayor Richard M Daley of Chicago.

Brian Cowen said that business and trade promotion events will involve client companies of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, including over 75 Irish companies who are doing business in the US.

In between the green beer and shamrocks, a trade mission to Silicon Valley and Washington DC involving more than 75 Irish companies, and meetings with leading US companies are planned.

It will culminate in summit talks with President Barack Obama in the White House on St Patrick's Day.

"The over-riding priority for the Government over the St Patrick's Day period is to send a strong positive message about Ireland's economic future and our plan for economic recovery.

"As a small trading nation, Ireland has unparalleled influence in the United States and across the globe," Mr Cowen said.

"It is important to recognise that friendship, and all that America has done to help Ireland over the years, in supporting the cause of peace as well as of economic progress," he continued.

"In Chicago, in Silicon Valley and in Washington DC, I will be meeting with leading figures from the world of politics, business, science, education, culture and the media - as well as members of the Global Irish Network based in the US.

"My aim is to listen and learn from our friends, as well as to assure them that Ireland is taking the necessary action to bring about economic recovery."

(BMcC/GK)