THE PLIGHT of Irish people living illegally in the US is of "deep concern" to Ireland, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern last night told Irish/Americans during the first speech of his St Patrick's Day visit.
Speaking to the Friendly Sons of St Patrick in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Mr Ahern said: "So much has changed for the better in Scranton and in Ireland. At the same time, we remain deeply aware that there are Irish people in this country who are undocumented and who are not free to enjoy the freedom and promise of this great land. Though their numbers are relatively small, their situation remains of deep concern to us in Ireland."
Expressing gratitude for the help that the undocumented Irish have received from the Irish/ American community and "from our friends in Congress", Mr Ahern thanked President George Bush for his "very positive engagement" on the issue.
The theme of emigration featured heavily in Mr Ahern's speech.
"Many of your ancestors left Ireland saying farewell to friends and family. Many forever. Distances were great and the transport or communications we take for granted today did not exist. It can often be difficult to fully understand the sense of loss and grief that emigration brought in those difficult times.
"The sense of loss and dislocation experienced by earlier generations remains deeply rooted in the Irish consciousness.
"For those who came to the US, the sense of loneliness and distance must have been overwhelming. But this country offered such rich hope and promise," he told the 1,400-strong audience.
Lackawanna County, and its capital, Scranton, is today one-third Irish/American: "There can be few cities in the United States where that is still true. Communities like Scranton represent a living tribute to the Irish who came here throughout the centuries.
"Although the young Irish now travel the globe with an ease and facility that can be astounding, we have not lost sight of the important role that communities like this play in maintaining our links with the US.
"We have not forgotten the hard and dangerous work they undertook in the foundries, railroads and coalmines. Nor have we forgotten the many that suffered and were lost in mine collapses which took a terrible toll on this community down through so many generations."
Introduced by Democratic Senator Bob Casey, the Taoiseach said he was "entirely convinced" that the US, and Irish/Americans had made "a vital contribution" to bringing peace to the North.
"The constant support and encouragement that we received made a real and valuable difference. So, on this my first opportunity to do so, and from the bottom of my heart, I want to say 'Thank you'."
Promoting Northern Ireland's investment conference in May, he said that all can now "move on with real confidence and strength as our thoughts turn towards securing the economic future . . . to build an island economy in Ireland which is a model for the world and which allows all, North and South, to enjoy employment and rising prosperity into the future."
Acknowledging US investment in Ireland, he said the "economic relationship we enjoy with the United States is a vital cornerstone in this success story" that has helped to bring "unprecedented economic growth and employment".
