Taoiseach Bertie Ahern unveiled a plaque in New York yesterday at the birthplace of Fianna Fáil founder and first leader, Eamon de Valera.
De Valera was born in 1882 at the New York Nursery and Child Hospital. Today, the building is home to the Metropolitan Hotel,
Welcomed by New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Taoiseach recalled de Valera's long political career which ended with him serving two terms as president before he retired in 1973, aged 93.
"It's something I wouldn't mind doing myself," said the Taoiseach, before Mayor Bloomberg, facing a re-election battle, shouted out that he would settle for eight years in office.
Mayor Bloomberg said that de Valera was "not without his flaws", but had shown great dedication in achieve independence for Ireland. "I'd doubt he'd recognise New York today, he probably wouldn't recognise Ireland either," he said.
The Taoiseach later went on to the New York Stock Exchange where he rang the stock exchange's closing bell.