For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 13, 2003
President Welcomes Irish Leaders to White House
Remarks by the President in Shamrock Ceremony
The Roosevelt Room
9:38 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Taoiseach, and welcome back to the White House. Laura and I are honored you came and
really glad you're here.
On behalf of the American people, I thank you for the bowl of shamrocks and the good fortune they promise. This annual
gift symbolizes the deep and enduring friendship between our two countries. The strong ties between Ireland and the
United States reach back centuries.
These strong ties have been affirmed at critical moments in our country's history. It is said that during the
Revolutionary War an Irish-American woman, Lydia Darragh, provided valuable intelligence to George Washington's troops,
helping prevent a planned British offensive. During the Civil War the famed Irish Brigade fought valiantly on the Union
side in terrible battles, some not far from where we stand.
And throughout America's history, we have benefitted from the industry and the talents and the ideals of millions of
Ireland's sons and daughters. Today, our two countries share a deep commitment to building a world of peace and security
and prosperity and freedom. We've stood together in Afghanistan, in Kosovo, in Bosnia and beyond, to stop aggression and
to alleviate suffering. Ireland is a valued member of the coalition against global terror. And we thank you, sir.
The American people appreciate Ireland's work on U.N. Security Council -- on the U.N. Security Council to help secure
passage of the Resolution 1441. That resolution demanded that Iraq disarm itself of all weapons of mass destruction. We
appreciate our own support for ensuring that the just demands of the world are enforced. The responsibilities of freedom
are not always easy to bear, but Ireland and America are joined by a common commitment to freedom's defense against
tyranny and terror.
Our two countries also stand together in another cause, working to achieve lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Recent
years have seen historic progress thanks to the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Ahern and Blair and many other people
who long for peace. Now, all parties can, and must, build on this progress, so that the people of Northern Ireland can
replace old resentments with new cooperation and new hope. America has long supported this vital work, and today, that
support endures and continues. We will help where we can.
St. Patrick's Day reminds us of the close ties of family and friendship between our countries, but everyday -- every day
of the year, America is proud to call Ireland a friend.
Taoiseach, may good fortune be yours, may your joys never end, may good luck be with you wherever you go, and your
blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. Welcome. (Applause.)
END 9:44 A.M. EST