Taoiseach Concludes First U.S. Visit

Taoiseach Brian Cowen, T.D., concluded his first official visit to the United States last Friday.

In the course of the visit, the Taoiseach met many senior business and political figures, as well as meeting with representatives of the local Irish community and Irish cultural organisations.

As the visit neared its conclusion, the Taoiseach stated: "I have had a very successful and encouraging visit to the United States.

"My message has been that Ireland is a confident, successful economy with a vigorous and skilled workforce and a sound, coherent economic strategy that will address the short-term economic challenges while continuing to build for our future success. 

"I am glad to say that message has been very well received.

"I have had very useful discussions with our friends in America about the global economic situation and how we can continue to respond effectively to it.

"I intend to reflect and to act on that advice, with my colleagues in Government, as we set about building for the future.

"I am also very encouraged with the widespread enthusiasm I have encountered for my proposals to further harness the power of the Irish diaspora in America and across the world.

"We live in changed times, with new challenges, but we are now a prosperous and peaceful country.

"That enables us to face the future with confidence."

His visit began on Wednesday, when he rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

After holding a series of meetings with business leaders on Wall Street, he met with New York Mayor, Mike Bloomberg, then visited the World Trade Tribute Center, where he remembered those who were killed and injured in the attacks of September 11, 2001.

The Taoiseach also held meetings with senior Irish and Irish-American business leaders, including members of the Taoiseach's Economic Advisory Board. 

The discussions focused on the current situation in the U.S. and global economies and how Ireland can maintain its economic success during this difficult period internationally.

The focus of events then switched to the Irish community in the U.S., when the Taoiseach attended a reception hosted by the Consul General in New York for the Irish community. 

He also held meetings with groups campaigning for immigration reform and to assist the undocumented Irish in the U.S.

On Thursday night, the Taoiseach was the Guest of Honour at the 'Wall Street 50 Dinner', where he gave the keynote address.

In his speech, he highlighted the transformation of the Irish economy in recent years and stressed the Government's determination to ensure that the opportunities presented by that new economic strength are seized for the benefit of future generations. 

He also reflected on the new era of Irish-U.S. relationships and how the power and influence of the extensive Irish Diaspora in the United States and across the world could be harnessed to develop a global network that can benefit all of its members, at home and abroad.