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Inauguration fest blankets Washington

February 17, 2011

By Staff Reporter

It was a day for emissaries from abroad to put aside talk of political opposition or controversial foreign policies.
“The ambassador was honored to represent the Government at this special occasion,” an embassy spokesman said.
Ambassador Fahey sat amongst his fellow diplomats during the swearing-in in front of the Capitol building, and listened as President Bush said, “Allies of the United States can know we honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel and we depend on your help.’
He outlined his vision of U.S. policy as having “the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.”
The night before the inauguration, Ambassador Fahey and his wife Christine attended the Texas Society’s Black Tie and Boots Ball. They were guests of computer magnate Michael Dell, of the eponymous Dell Computers.
The Faheys were also guests at the premier ball of the inauguration night: the Freedom Ball set in the white marble halls of Union Station, the city’s main train depot.
“The fact that the ambassador was a guest of the Michael’s speaks to our commitment to Ireland,” said Dell computer spokeswoman Colleen Ryan.
She said Michael Dell, a Texas native, was attending the events in a private capacity with his family.
Some of the inauguration festivities had tickets requiring a six figure “donation” for participants.
Thousands of police officers provided unprecedented security for the Presidential inauguration, leaving nothing to chance for the first swearing-in ceremony since the Sept. 11 attacks.
Federal officials had claimed the inauguration provided an inviting target for terrorists, but no intelligence emerged in the days leading up to it indicating an attack was planned.
Inauguration festivities are expected to cost well over $40 million, not including the cost of security.
Irish tenor Ronan Tynan performed at the National Prayer Service on Friday morning at Washington’s National Cathedral. The Presidential Inauguration Committee asked him to participate after he sang for George and Barbara Bush’s 60th wedding anniversary, which was held recently at the White House.
Friday’s prayer service, a presidential tradition, was also attended by Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne.

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