Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last night a major security operation on the Merrion Square side of Leinster House was not because anyone was protesting against the budget but rather it was because a very distinguished guest, Hillary Clinton, was in town. The Clintons are always welcome to this country. Their work on behalf of this country will go down in history because it has been eminently positive. She is speaking in DCU this afternoon. I wish her well. Every time the Clintons come to Dublin, they bring significant publicity for Ireland throughout America.

Anywhere the Clintons go they are followed by the American and international media because they are probably the best example of what politics can achieve. I am disappointed that Bill Clinton will probably not become the US Ambassador to Ireland, simply because he wants to remain doing the valuable work he is doing with his foundation which, I believe, will win a Nobel Peace Prize in time to come. I wish the Secretary of State all the best with her trip to Ireland and I hope it is as successful as she hopes it will be.