Taoiseach Makes First Visit To The United States

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, T.D., left Ireland for the United States on Tuesday, making his first official visit to the country since taking office.

The Taoiseach has an intensive program of engagements in the New York area this week, including meetings with senior US political and business figures, leading members of the Irish-American business community and Irish-American community and cultural organisations.

Mr Cowen intends to highlight the political, economic and cultural successes of modern Ireland and look to the future development of the economy and of Ireland's relationship with the United States.   

Among the highlights of the Taoiseach's visit include meetings with the Chairman of the Friends of Ireland in the US Congress Richie Neal, the New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and the Governor of New Jersey Jon Corzine; meetings with key business figures at the New York Stock Exchange and on Wall Street; and discussions with leading members of the Taoiseach's Ireland-America Economic Advisory Board and other senior Irish American figures.

He is also planning on attending events hosted by the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland to promote inward investment, Irish business and tourism.

He will also make a keynote address at the Wall Street 50 Dinner, one of the premier Irish events of the year in New York

With engagements with the Irish community in New York and further afield, including groups involved in the campaign for immigration reform and attendance at a number of events celebrating Ireland's cultural contribution to America, including receptions for the Gate and Abbey theatres and at the Irish Arts Center in Manhattan, the Taoiseach has a heavy schedule during his visit.

Mr Cowen will also visit the World Trade Tribute Center at Ground Zero. Speaking before his departure, the Taoiseach said: "I am looking forward to an intensive series of engagements in the United States this week.   

"I will be bringing a clear message that Ireland is now a confident and successful European country, with a coherent strategy to maintain that success and build for the future.   

"I look forward to meeting our many friends in the United States and listening to their advice on how we can continue to work together during a turbulent period for the global economy.

"I am also delighted to be meeting with representatives of the Irish community in America, who have been and remain a key part of Ireland's international success story and of our nation."