Press Releases
Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami
202-226-7616
03/16/2007
Friends of Ireland Joint Statement On St. Patrick's Day
"Nearly 40 million Americans trace their roots to Ireland. On St. Patrick’s Day, the Friends of Ireland in the United States Congress join them in celebrating the unique ties between America and the island of Ireland.
"We offer a warm welcome to the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and to the political leaders from Northern Ireland who are with us today. We commend the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair for their ongoing efforts on behalf of peace in Northern Ireland. Their commitment to the peace process has strengthened the hopes of all who care deeply about Northern Ireland and who believe that the power should be shared by the parties in the new government and exercised for the lasting benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland.
"We in the Congress recognize that to serve the people’s interests, democratic government requires hard work and hard choices. Now that the elections are over, we hope the restoration of the Assembly and Executive will occur by the March 26 date outlined in the St. Andrews agreement.
"Sinn Fein’s decision to endorse policing and the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland, and to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland was an essential step forward. We hope the DUP will agree to share power with all parties on a permanent basis and commit itself to working within all the institutions established by the Good Friday Agreement. All who care about stability and lasting peace in Northern Ireland look forward to the day when the government in Northern Ireland will be restored, and we urge the parties to take the essential steps toward that goal.
"The Police Ombudsman’s recent report on the McCord case and its findings regarding collusion in that and related cases raises continuing concerns about past actions. We urge the British Government to stand firm for the rule of law and promote confidence in its application by implementing fully the recommendations of the Police Ombudsman’s report, and also by honoring its commitment to hold a fully independent public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Pat Finucane, as recommended by Judge Cory.
"On this St. Patrick’s Day, we look forward to the day soon when the Good Friday Agreement will be finally and fully implemented, and stable democratic institutions and lasting peace, and justice will be achieved in Northern Ireland."
FRIENDS OF IRELAND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
HOUSE SENATE
Nancy Pelosi Edward M. Kennedy
John Boehner Christopher J. Dodd
Richard E. Neal Susan M. Collins