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Conflict 'over for good' - Ahern | Conflict 'over for good' - Ahern |
(40 minutes later) | |
Bertie Ahern has told a joint session of the US Congress that centuries of strife in Ireland are over for good. | |
The invitation was issued to the Fianna Fáil leader in recognition of his work for the Northern Ireland peace process. | The invitation was issued to the Fianna Fáil leader in recognition of his work for the Northern Ireland peace process. |
Mr Ahern received a number of standing ovations during his address, which came days before he steps down as taoiseach. | Mr Ahern received a number of standing ovations during his address, which came days before he steps down as taoiseach. |
"After so many decades of conflict, I am so proud, Madam Speaker, to be the first Irish leader to inform the United States Congress Ireland is at peace." | "After so many decades of conflict, I am so proud, Madam Speaker, to be the first Irish leader to inform the United States Congress Ireland is at peace." |
He joined an elite group of five international statesmen who have been invited to speak to both houses in Washington. | |
'Dream come true' | |
Mr Ahern praised America's role in the Northern Ireland peace process. | |
"Our dream, and the dream of all of the friends of Ireland in America and across the world, has come true," he said. | |
"To you, to your predecessors and to all of the American leaders from both sides of the aisle who have travelled with us, we offer our heartfelt gratitude." | |
Mr Ahern spoke of Ireland's long-standing ties with the US, saying: "To be Irish is to be at home in America." | |
Mr Ahern is due to resign as taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil on Tuesday 6 May. | Mr Ahern is due to resign as taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil on Tuesday 6 May. |
He was the first Irish leader to address MPs at the Palace of Westminster. | He was the first Irish leader to address MPs at the Palace of Westminster. |
Accepting the invitation to Congress from Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi in February, Mr Ahern said he had been deeply honoured. | Accepting the invitation to Congress from Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi in February, Mr Ahern said he had been deeply honoured. |
Other Irish statesmen also invited to make the Congress address included John Bruton in 1996, Garret FitzGerald in 1984 and Liam Cosgrave in 1976. | Other Irish statesmen also invited to make the Congress address included John Bruton in 1996, Garret FitzGerald in 1984 and Liam Cosgrave in 1976. |
Presidents Eamon de Valera in 1964 and Sean T O'Ceallaigh in 1959 also addressed the House. | Presidents Eamon de Valera in 1964 and Sean T O'Ceallaigh in 1959 also addressed the House. |