Date Posted:Sat, Sep 20 2003, 15:48:01 GMT Author: Lynn Subject: Clinton to host Ahern on US trip In reply to:
Lynn
's message, "This is almost humorous..."what goes around..." (NT)" on Sat, Sep 20 2003, 15:45:08 GMT
Clinton to Host Ahern on U.S. Trip
By Debbie McGoldrick
IRISH Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern will travel to the U.S. for a series of engagements that kick off next Monday, September 22, with New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The senator will host a reception at the College of St. Rose in Albany starting at noon. Together with college President R. Mark Sullivan, Clinton will present Ahern with the College of St. Rose Oldcastle Award on Irish American Affairs.
When Senator Clinton visited Ireland in March of last year, she personally invited the Taoiseach to come and visit New York. During Ahern’s time in Albany she will introduce him to key New York elected officials and community and business leaders from throughout the state.
“The political, cultural and social relationships between Ireland and New York have been developed and strengthened over 100 years. Today we celebrate a strong and economically vibrant Ireland that holds great promise for partnerships with New York. I am proud to be co-hosting this reception with the College of St. Rose, to honor the Taoiseach and demonstrate to the Irish government and to Irish businesses the value of investing here in this great state,” Senator Clinton said.
On Wednesday, September 24, Ahern will receive the Thomas Dodd Prize from the University of Connecticut. His co-recipient is British Prime Minister Tony Blair; standing in Blair’s place will be his deputy John Prescott.
On Thursday Ahern will again be in Connecticut, this time Fairfield University, where he will be conferred with an honorary degree and deliver a lecture.
Ahern’s stay in U.S. also includes a reception hosted by the Ireland-U.S. Council, and a meeting with Mexican President Vincente Fox.
Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen is also due in New York next week. His visit will center mostly on United Nations business. He is scheduled to host a meeting of the Irish Immigration Working Committee at the Irish Consulate in New York on Thursday, September 25.
