The new Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, Noel Fahey, presented his Letter of Credence to President Bush in the White House on Sept. 25

In his remarks to President Bush, Ambassador Fahey recalled the close and warm relationship existing between Ireland and the United States, a relationship which had been underlined and strengthened by the deep sympathy and shared grief arising following the terrorist atrocities of Sept.11, 2001.

The Ambassador referred to the vital role played by the United States in Northern Ireland . He expressed the appreciation of the Irish Government for the strong personal interest which President Bush has taken in the peace process, and for the role played by Ambassador Richard Haass in providing support to the process. 

The generous and even-handed support which the current and former administrations, the U.S. Congress and American people have given to the peace process has been a great encouragement to all engaged in the search for lasting peace in Ireland, and especially those who have taken risks to bring violence to an end.

Ambassador Fahey also noted how people of Irish descent had contributed greatly to the success and prosperity enjoyed by the United States while US investment, in turn, had been crucial to Ireland's recent economic success. 

U.S. companies predominate among the foreign investors who have brought jobs and prosperity to Ireland, especially in the last decade. The Ambassador noted how this mutual interest was underlined by the very successful US Ireland Business Summit which took place in Washington earlier this month.

The Ambassador concluded by expressing his hope that the strong traditional links between Ireland and the United States would be further strengthened and developed during his tenure. 

In presenting his Letter of Credence to President Bush, Ambassador Fahey was accompanied by his wife, Christine.