Comments of Political Leaders on St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day draws comments from world leaders, the following are a few of their thoughts.

MESSAGES FROM PRESIDENT McALEESE PRESIDENT OF IRELAND

Our celebrations around the world with such a huge shared effort exemplify our love of country, culture, heritage and hospitality. May they lift hearts, create happy memories and inspire us to renew Patrick’s vision for Ireland as a generous, tolerant, inclusive and peaceful place.

March 7th 2003. www.irelandemb.org

On this day we remind ourselves again of the many gifts brought to Ireland by our most famous immigrant, St. Patrick. Although, he first arrived among us over fifteen hundred years ago there is still a remarkable timeless integrity about his message of love, patience, forgiveness and tolerance. He believed these virtues could work miracles in transforming human relationships from conflict to harmony. May his generous spirit inspire us today and every day and may you all enjoy a celebration on this day.

March 12th 2002. www.irelandemb.org

MESSAGE FROM TONY BLAIR PRIMINISTER OF BRITAIN

“St Patrick’s Day in Britain is more than just a big party. It’s a celebration of the Irish, of course. It’s a reaffirmation of our belief that Britain is a better place to live because of the diverse mix of cultures on which we draw. And it is a recognition of the contribution the Irish and their descendants continue to make to the economic, social and cultural life of our country. My very best wishes for this year’s St Patrick’s Day.’

15th March 2002. www.london.gov.uk

MESSAGE FROM GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

"I am pleased to send warm greetings to all those celebrating St. Patrick's Day. On this day, millions of people in Ireland and throughout the world will gather to commemorate the life of Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. From his days as a slave in Ireland to his work as a missionary years later, St. Patrick demonstrated a courage, commitment, and faith that won the hearts and minds of the Irish people. St. Patrick's Day also serves as a time for people of Irish descent from all traditions and religions to honor their native land and shared heritage."

12th March 2002. www.whitehouse.gov

MESSAGE FROM BILL CLINTON, FORMER US PRESIDENT.

Warm greetings to everyone observing Saint Patrick's Day. It is most fitting that the feast day of the Patron Saint of Ireland should be held on the threshold of spring, the season of promise, for the Irish have always been a people of promise. With warm hearts and a deep spirituality, they embraced the promise of salvation that Saint Patrick brought to their beautiful island 16 centuries ago and preserved their faith through the tumult and chaos of the Dark Ages.

17th Mach 2000. www.clinton4.nara.gov