February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Ambassador Michael Collins this week formally launched a process of assessing the current state of the transatlantic ties between Dublin and Washington and how best to develop them in the context of a changing Ireland and an America that has long been a key player in helping foster changes on the island.
The initiative was first signaled by Taoiseach Brian Cowen during his visit to New York in July.
During that visit, Cowen pointed to the exceptionally close historical ties between both countries and said that in the context of peace in Northern Ireland and Ireland’s economic development he foresaw new opportunities to further develop this relationship and partnership into the future.
In pursuit of this, he announced that Ambassador Collins would undertake a “strategic review” of all the relevant issues and report to the government by the end of the year.
In a statement, Collins said that he wished to undertake the “widest possible consultation process” in reviewing ties between Ireland and the United States and as part of this process he was inviting “considered contributions” to the strategic review
“Relations between our two countries and peoples have never been better. The review will map out how relations can be further developed in this era of peace and economic development,” said Collins. “I am looking forward to receiving considered contributions from across the United States from organizations and individuals by the end of October 2008,” he added.
Contributions should be sent via the email link on the Embassy’s webpage www.embassyofireland.org or by mail to Strategic Review, Embassy of Ireland, 2234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008-2849.