Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----be it in terms either of the IFSC or the brain power Ireland exhibits in its young people and their ability to reach the highest targets and highs level of challenge. It has been a powerful instrument in delivering many US investors in our country and the resulting jobs and opportunities for the people. It is not a case of being mesmerised; rather, in the case of President Clinton, his interest in Ireland, the part he played in the peace process and his direction that George Mitchell should be the mediator in very difficult circumstances leading to delivery of the Good Friday Agreement more than 20 years ago were important considerations and decisions. The same applies in the case of President Obama who received a certificate of honorary Irish heritage because of his particular interest in the country. The Clinton years were very powerful for the US economy in terms of restoring economic credit to the United States, the number of people at work and the opportunities presented. Obviously, the bank collapse led to catastrophic consequences throughout the country. I hope to travel to the United States. The St. Patrick's Day parade is a parade about our Irishness, not sexuality. I will be happy to participate in it.

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