Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We discussed many things about our trip to County Kerry, including Kenmare, but one of the themes of the Governor's address was that those who drink the water should never forget those who dug the well. That was a quote often used by someone she mentioned in her speech, former President Mary McAleese. In the Governor's address she spoke about her pride in her ancestors from all over the island and how they made sacrifices. In particular, she referred to her mother who had to raise children and sacrificed her own opportunities in order to give her children all the opportunities they had. The Governor grabbed them with both hands and made much of them, and much more.

I thank Governor Healey for acknowledging Senator David Norris who I am sure would be delighted to be with us today. However, as she knows, he is not in the fullness of his health. The Senator would be proud of the Governor's visit to this Chamber, at the invitation of the Cathaoirleach, to acknowledge the struggles we are celebrating, the 30 years of the passing of the legislation that made all of our citizens equal. Equality eludes us still, however.It is fitting and appropriate that Governor Healey is here today on the eve of the 60th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's visit to Leinster House. When he visited, he spoke about many anniversaries, including the 100th anniversary of the US civil war. This year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which has only been possible because of the continuous bipartisan support of the United States at all levels. State legislators, the US House of Representatives, the US Senate and state governors support it to make sure that peace continues. This was very important in the Brexit negotiations when another Massachusetts public representative, Congressman Richie Neal, stated there would be no trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the US if there was a return to the borders of the past and the troubles of the past. Thankfully, with US support we are on the right road.

We also celebrate 100 years of support for Irish independence. Our proclamation stated we were supported by our exiled children in America. I ask Governor Healey to send us an invitation in 2026 when we look forward to celebrating another anniversary, namely, the 250th anniversary of the lifting of the siege of Boston, appropriately enough on Saint Patrick's day. In that same year, George Washington said that when the US flag was friendless Ireland's sons were its only friends. We look forward to celebrating this anniversary.

I will finish with another quote from John F. Kennedy and it is appropriate that Governor Healey is from Galway. When he was in Eyre Square, he said it seemed to him that everybody in Boston was from Galway. He said that if anyone from Galway ever came to the White House he would give them a céad míle fáilte. If Governor Healey ever ends up in the White House, we hope she will give us a céad míle fáilte too.