Minister for Foreign Affairs meets with top Irish /American businessmen
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr David Andrews T.D. hosted a lunch in Iveagh House today for visiting members of the Ireland America Economic Advisory Board. The board provides a structure through which the most senior and successful leaders of corporate Irish /America can convey their thinking to the Government.
The party includes eight board members and four business leaders who have expressed interest in Ireland. The Irish Ambassador to the United States, Mr Sean O‘Huiginn, is accompanying the party.
The schedule for the visit will include meetings with Irish Government Ministers and senior officials as well as meetings with representatives from the business, educational, and local enterprise sectors.
Speaking at today's lunch the Minister praised the part played by Irish America in the peace process, especially the role it played in convincing President Clinton of the importance of the cause. Referring to the recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize the Minister said that it was notable that David Trimble was in the United States on a Trade Mission when he heard the news. Just as US investment has had a huge role in in the development of economic success in the South, the Minister said that its role in building up a new Northern Ireland will be pivotal. In this context the Minister envisaged an axis developing of potentially enormous benefit for everybody involved, Ireland, North and South, in partnership with US business in the giant European market.
