I am very proud of the role the Clinton Administration played in helping to bring about peace in Northern Ireland. I know many were skeptical that lasting peace would be possible in the time leading up to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The commitment of everyone involved, their constructive negotiations, their sacrifice, their faith led us to these days great hope. I remember so fondly my visits to the Northern Ireland, meeting with women and men, leaders and citizens, who all shared the same longing for peace, the same hopes for their children, and the same desire for a better future. We are now seeing the realization of that promise.

I have been pleased to meet with Taoiseach Ahern more than a dozen times since 1998 and to work closely with the government of the Republic of Ireland on economic development issues important to New York. I look forward to continuing our long and productive relationship, and that of our two nations, in the future.

Listed below are some of my statements on this issue.