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Taoiseach in Chicago to mark St Patrick's Day
Taoiseach Enda Kenny is today in Chicago on the first part of his US trip to mark Saint Patrick's Day. The Taoiseach met this morning with Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel, and presented him with a sprig of shamrocks.
Last night, the Taoiseach addressed the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago at their St Patrick's day dinner:
I’m particularly delighted to be here in Chicago, the hometown of PresidentObama and his family.In Dublin last May he spoke of Chicago being the Irish capital of themid-West.And I stand here today very conscious of the history of the Irish inChicago and across the mid-West. It’s certainly an honour to be in thecompany of so many Irish friends today.You are most probably aware that President Obama has, in fact, designatedthe month of March Irish American Heritage Month here in the States, inhonour of ‘the sons and daughters of Erin’ who “demonstrated extraordinarystrength and unshakable faith as they gave their all to help build anAmerica worthy of the journey they and so many others had taken”.
The Taoiseach spoke of Ireland's economic recovery and of the launch of The Gathering 2013:
My key message to you today is very simple. The Irish economy is growingagain. Our public finances have stabilised. The Government is determined todeliver long-term and sustainable growth.As you know, next year we’re hosting The Gathering - Ireland’s biggestever tourism initiative - a year long celebration of what is best aboutIreland, its people, its culture.And we’re sending the mother-of-all invitations to our Irish family, bybirth, by adoption, by desire. I’m delighted to host this 2013Gathering on the 50th anniversary of John F Kennedy’s coming ‘home’ toIreland. Of course, you are all invited to join in that celebration and indoing so to reconnect with your Irish roots.
Read the Taoiseach's full speech here.Watch the Taoiseach's St Patrick's Day message here.