Europe
<<On the future of Europe, Mr Ahern recalled that two great Irish Americans, President Kennedy in 1963 and President Reagan in 1987, stood at the Berlin Wall and called out for freedom in Germany and in Europe.

Recalling the expansion of the EU during the Irish presidency in 2004, Mr Ahern said that for many of the new members it was a moment that would have been unthinkable only a few years earlier.

"I passionately believe in Europe and I passionately believe in the European Union as a force for good in the world. It is profoundly encouraging that we are seeing the members of the European Union continuing to rise together as a force for development, for stability, for peace in the ...

Europe
<<On the future of Europe, Mr Ahern recalled that two great Irish Americans, President Kennedy in 1963 and President Reagan in 1987, stood at the Berlin Wall and called out for freedom in Germany and in Europe.

Recalling the expansion of the EU during the Irish presidency in 2004, Mr Ahern said that for many of the new members it was a moment that would have been unthinkable only a few years earlier.

"I passionately believe in Europe and I passionately believe in the European Union as a force for good in the world. It is profoundly encouraging that we are seeing the members of the European Union continuing to rise together as a force for development, for stability, for peace in the world.

"Soon, the Irish people will vote on a new reform treaty that aims to make the European Union work even more effectively, both internally and in the wider world. I trust in their wisdom to support and to believe in Europe, as they always have," he said.

9/11
He told his audience that September 11th, 2001, was one of the most terrible, evil events in world history and it was a day that was etched into the memory of all humanity. In recognition of the bravery of all who died that day he invited Chief Robert Sweeney of the New York Fire Department and Officer Steve McDonald of the police department to hear his address.

The Taoiseach reiterated Ireland's commitment to developing countries and pointed out that Ireland was the sixth largest per capita donor of assistance in the world.

"For us, famine and oppression are not tragedies that could only happen elsewhere. They happened to us at a sad time in our history. They happened t...

9/11
He told his audience that September 11th, 2001, was one of the most terrible, evil events in world history and it was a day that was etched into the memory of all humanity. In recognition of the bravery of all who died that day he invited Chief Robert Sweeney of the New York Fire Department and Officer Steve McDonald of the police department to hear his address.

The Taoiseach reiterated Ireland's commitment to developing countries and pointed out that Ireland was the sixth largest per capita donor of assistance in the world.

"For us, famine and oppression are not tragedies that could only happen elsewhere. They happened to us at a sad time in our history. They happened to those who fled here and helped build America and to the many who did not survive that fateful journey across the ocean," he said.

Mr Ahern also expressed support for the United Nations and said that for over half a century Irish men and women had served the cause of peace under the UN flag.

He pointed out that Irish soldiers were currently in Chad as part of a UN-mandated force led by an Irish officer to protect hundreds of thousands of refugees.

The Taoiseach concluded his address by echoing the inaugural address of President Kennedy in 1961, saying: "In history, in politics and in life there are no ends, only beginnings. Let us begin."

Well...the Irish do have somewhat of a reputation for telling stories and even a cornerstone legend of the Blarney Stone.

Glad to hear they were some help to Ireland. All new immigrants to American have to pay their dues and it was an English Protestant country from the start, so it was not all smooth sailing.

I think it was in the U.S. Civil War where the Irish proved their mettle and moved into the mainstream. In what is perhaps the most noted battle of that Civil War one all Irish brigade held the center although overrun on both side and another all Irish brigade noted for fighting bravely. So a large Celtic Cross stands on this most significant battlefield at Gettsyburg,

Also of note...

Well...the Irish do have somewhat of a reputation for telling stories and even a cornerstone legend of the Blarney Stone.

Glad to hear they were some help to Ireland. All new immigrants to American have to pay their dues and it was an English Protestant country from the start, so it was not all smooth sailing.

I think it was in the U.S. Civil War where the Irish proved their mettle and moved into the mainstream. In what is perhaps the most noted battle of that Civil War one all Irish brigade held the center although overrun on both side and another all Irish brigade noted for fighting bravely. So a large Celtic Cross stands on this most significant battlefield at Gettsyburg,

Also of note: the Irish fought on both sides. (and the Irish also led the biggest anti-war riots and protests, unhappy with unfair draft policies).

So -- dying on both sides of the war, fighting bravely, leading protest against the war -- Yup, that made them mainstream for sure.

25% of Yanks have Irish blood in them. And a fond spot in their hearts for their ancestoral homeland.