February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
“I’m delighted to return to Dublin and Belfast and humbled to be the guest of honor at the 13th annual Aisling Awards,” Speaker Quinn told the Irish Echo.
“New York City and Belfast share important connections of culture, commerce and friendship,” she said.
“It is my privilege not only to salute the heroes of Belfast at this year’s Aisling awards but also to voice my commitment to building and strengthening bridges of peace between Belfast and New York.”
Quinn’s visit kicks off in Dublin today where she is scheduled to meet with Taoiseach Brian Cowen and foreign affairs minister Miche_l Martin before traveling to a community reception in West Belfast.
There she will also meet families of the Ballymurphy Massacre Campaign who are fighting for justice for 11 civilians shot dead in the aftermath of internment in August, 1971.
First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness will meet Quinn on Thursday before she travels into East Belfast to meet community leaders, including former loyalist paramilitaries.
Quinn’s visit will culminate with her Aisling Awards address. Hosted by the Belfast Media Group, the awards take place annually in the city’s famed Europa Hotel. Previous Aisling Award guests of honor include the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Taoiseach Brian Cowen and President Mary McAleese.
During her visit, Quinn will also meet with Northern Ireland business leaders, East and West Belfast community groups, and Belfast gay and lesbian community members.