The main focus of Cowen’s visit was, and will remain, an economic one, but the new threat to the peace process from dissident republicans is certain to figure prominently in talks between Cowen, President Obama and other U.S. political leaders.
“Ireland’s future prosperity depends on nurturing our priceless global connections and on developing the international trade and investment opportunities which will help us to return to strong economic growth. St Patrick’s Day provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to achieve this,” Cowen said in advance of a visit that will include the tradition presentation of shamrock to the president in the White House.
“This St Patrick’s Day, the government will be sending a message that Ireland has a clear and comprehensive strategy for dealing with the impact of the economic crisis, that the Irish people are fighting back and that we are preparing to take advantage of the international recovery when it comes,” Cowen said.
After what is essentially a photo-op over the bowl of shamrock – ironically, a bowl made by the Waterford company which has been lately battling to survive – the two leaders will hold talks behind close doors.
While in Washington, Cowen will also attend the speaker’s lunch on Capitol Hill, deliver a keynote address on the future development of US-Ireland relations, based on a report by Ireland’s ambassador to the U.S. commissioned by Cowen last year.
Cowen will also be leading a trade mission involving over 100 Irish exporters, will hold meetings with leaders in business, politics and Irish America, and deliver speeches at a US-Ireland Council luncheon in New York, and the annual American Ireland Fund dinner in Washington.
Cowen will also meet with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform to discuss the undocumented and prospects for a bilateral visa deal between Ireland and the U.S.
Cowen will be accompanied by foreign affairs minister Miche_l Martin, who will also attend events in Houston and Miami.
Minister Eamon Ryan, meanwhile, will in San Francisco and New York; minister of state Pat Carey will be in Boston; minister Mary Hanafin will travel to Philadelphia and Atlanta; minister of state Jimmy Devins will be in Chicago.
Attorney General Paul Gallagher will attend events in Seattle, while minister Noel Dempsey will be in Toronto for the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and other events.