Ireland’s Leader Visits N.Y.

Editorial / Periscope - Niall O'Dowd

Ireland’s Leader Visits N.Y.

July 17, 2008

Editorial

THE visit of Taoiseach (Prime Minster) Brian Cowen to New York this week is a welcome opportunity to meet and greet Ireland’s new leader.

Cowen has an impressive resume, rising from the backbenches to the highest job in government in jig time. He served in finance and foreign affairs and health among other portfolios before taking over the top job

A sign of his party popularity is that he was the first Fianna Fail leader elected unopposed since Eamon de Valera, the party founder.

He shares another trait with de Valera, a connection to New York. While de Valera was born here, Cowen spent time as a student in the Big Apple and has many relatives living in the vicinity.

It is no small thing that the new taoiseach understands the emigrant mindset and has experienced it for himself. In that he is unique among modern Irish leaders.

His concern for the Irish abroad is reflected in his program during his first visit when he will meet with the emigrant counseling groups, and also the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform as well as many community leaders.

He will find a community bruised by the battle over the undocumented Irish and the inability to get comprehensive immigration reform passed in Congress.

Despite the best efforts of the Irish lobby and the bringing of thousands of supporters to Washington on three separate occasions, the anti-immigrant forces managed to block any progress on a comprehensive bill.

The clear hope is that a new administration will deliver on legalizing the undocumented as both candidates for president have pledged as recently as last week when addressing the Hispanic leadership groups.

Cowen will find many of the existing Irish organizations in difficulties because of declining membership, and there are fears that many such groups may not survive.

He will also find a groundswell for an initiative that would allow a number of Irish to emigrate legally to the U.S., and to allow the same privilege for those from America who wish to work in Ireland.

The reality is that the door to legal immigration from Ireland has effectively been slammed shut since 1965, and the danger of Irish-American ties fraying is now a very real one.

A bilateral deal could only be good for Ireland and America and replenish the relationship every year in a mutually beneficial way.

Other countries such as Australia and Singapore have achieved such deals, while Korea and other countries as well as Ireland are also seeking such a deal.

The support of the taoiseach for this legislation is a vital cog in the wheel. He has a visceral feel for what the Irish undocumented are going through at present, and has given every indication that he is willing to work on their behalf.

He will also, of course, address the economic situation in Ireland, which has taken a downward turn like in so many other countries in recent months.

The media are hyping it out of existence in Ireland at present, but there is nonetheless a real concern that the days of the Celtic Tiger are gone and a much more uncertain future awaits.

Cowen has a no nonsense, direct style that will play well in America. No doubt he will be utilizing it to make clear that Ireland Inc. is far from finished, and that the current climate merely represents a temporary lull.

He will find audiences very willing to hear a positive message. The Irish diaspora has always ensured that Ireland has a far higher profile and clout than other countries.

Cowen is continuing a proud tradition of making immediate contact with Ireland’s friends abroad. He will be very welcome.

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