Ceann Comhairle joins Irish-US Politicians to mark St. Patrick’s Day in Washington DC

Ceann Comhairle, Seamus Kirk, TD travels to the United States today (Monday) where he will join political leaders from the US and Ireland in marking St. Patrick’s Day.

During the two day visit, the Ceann Comhairle will attend the traditional Speaker’s Lunch which will be hosted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and join President Obama and the First Lady at a reception in the White House.   He will also attend the American Ireland Fund Dinner where Secretary of State Clinton will be honoured. 

This is the first time since his election that the Ceann Comhairle has had an opportunity to meet with leading members of the US Congress who are engaged in Irish issues.  His meeting with Congressman Richie Neal [D-Mass], Chair of the Friends of Ireland will present the Ceann Comhairle with his first chance to invite a bi-partisan Congressional Delegation to Ireland to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Speaking before his departure today, the Ceann Comhairle said “I am delighted to have received an invitation from Speaker Pelosi to visit Washington DC to attend the annual Speaker’s lunch.  My attendance underlines the close working relationship that has developed and continues to grow between the Members of Houses of the Oireachtas and the Friends of Ireland on Capitol Hill.  The Speaker’s Lunch also presents a real opportunity for us to mark St. Patrick’s Day in the hearts and minds of the 44 million US citizens who claim an ancestral link with Ireland.

I am honoured to continue the unique tradition of former Cinn Comhairle by accepting this invitation and am looking forward to meeting with politicians from both sides of the Atlantic together with both traditions in Northern Ireland.”

Ends

For Further Information:

Cáit Hayes,
Press Officer,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2

Tel:  +353 1 618 3883 (W)
       +353 86 8174740 (Mob)
E-mail:  cait.hayes@oireachtas.ie