The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD, today, Friday, concludes his first official visit to the United States.
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.
Today, he will hold meetings including the Chairman of the Friends of Ireland in the United States Congress, Richie Neal.
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. ”
Ends