Bill Clinton is to host a New York Irish summit next year to kick start Ireland’s economic recovery with the aid of American investment.
The former U.S. President announced at the Global Irish Economic Forum at Dublin Castle that he will gladly stage a similar event in the U.S. in 2012.
Assuring the star studded gathering of political and industry leaders from home and abroad that Ireland’s economy will recover, Clinton has offered to play a key role in the fight-back by Irish business.
Among those present were Bono and the Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, as well as Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore.
The summit will be hosted by Teneo, a merchant bank headed by former U.S. Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly.
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Clinton serves on the advisory board for Teneo.
Clinton believes American investment is key to an Irish return and will do all he can to aid the process, starting with next year’s summit in the USA.
Offering to host the meeting of business, cultural and political leaders, President Clinton said: “I’d be happy to host a meeting like this in the US. We’d like to do this, to bring people together and see what they can do to help.”
Assuring a star studded gathering of industry leaders from all walks of life that Ireland will recover, Clinton stressed: “The only question is when and how.”
The key note speaker at the two day forum in Dublin Castle, President Clinton added: “Not one person informed about the world economy has a moment’s doubt that Ireland will regain its economic footing.
“The country has a lot going for it. Ireland is a great exporting nation. It is the country that built the most successful economy in Europe with a Diaspora that adores you and the youngest workforce in Europe.
“I know a lot of people in Ireland are discouraged, but the rest of the world thinks you’re pretty great. You need to play on that.”
Adamant that Ireland Inc is headed in the right direction, President Clinton outlined his support for the decision to guarantee the banks.
“That was the right decision as it made business people want to be here,” he stressed whilst urging the politicians present to really tackle the issue of mortgage debt.
Welcoming Ireland’s focus on exports, the former President urged the Irish government to develop business with emerging markets like India and Brazil.
He also called for a greater focus on investment in renewable energy.
“Every billion dollars spent in this field will generate up to 8,000 jobs while paying for itself,” he added. “If you’ve got somebody who can finance it you can guarantee a return.”
Speaking from America’s own experience, President Clinton urged his audience to be positive about the future.
“You can’t do the dozens of things that you need to do if you are paralyzed by disappointment,” he said as he urged Ireland to beat the five to ten year norm for overcoming a recession.
“Being despairing is not an option, just a decision to be disappointed. I am concerned for those below a certain age who have never experienced collective failure before.
“Too many young people feel like they are a failure because they never experienced collective failure. But no one had any doubt in America that they could emerge from the Great Depression. JFK would never have been elected if people were gripped with doubt.”
Then President Clinton issued a battle cry for the Irish economy’s bid to recover.
“In order to win this deal, you’ve got to put your game face on,” he insisted.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.jackinny | Oct 12, 2011, 11:39 AM EDT
President Obama did a great pr job (still drinking the Black Stuff) & gave an amazing speech in Dublin.But I was in Ireland for two of his trips and his committment to Ireland has never faltered.
Mickwall | Oct 10, 2011, 06:38 PM EDT
The Irish People have a special ability to focus on their work. Whether we are digging ditches, doing hotel work, or involved in high tech development, when we are working we are focused on it and give a great days work. That is what makes Ireland a good bet for American companies looking to invest overseas. The New York Summit should feature executives of US companies currently operating in Ireland and they should be asked to give live testimonials as to the point outlined above.
maryosullivan | Oct 10, 2011, 10:50 AM EDT
Before anyone thinks Clinton is doing this for Ireland's benefit,consider what he and his pals, the Bushes, have done to Haiti. Read Randall Robinson's book " An Unbroken Agony", all under the guise of helping
CMMcShane | Oct 09, 2011, 09:28 PM EDT
As a fellow alum of Bill Clinton from Georgetown School of Foreign Service I can say with some certitude that Bill Clinton is an Economics Genius. He is the only US President who went to those Big Six Economics meetings who knew what they were talking about. He was not impeached and those proceedings were based on lies by The Star Witch Hunt and conducted by a bunch of Republican Hypocrites who were having their own "affairs".
pilib04 | Oct 09, 2011, 06:12 PM EDT
Bill Clinton has always been a friend of Ireland. Of course, it is great that we have two Presidents who pay special attention to Ireland. President Obama continues to uphold our special status. Not sure what the Bush family problem was. Probably Anglophiles like the Reagans.
penn2000 | Oct 09, 2011, 05:34 PM EDT
great job by bill clinton. he looks so good compared to obama.
KMcSinger | Oct 09, 2011, 03:57 PM EDT
I LOVE Clinton
Springfield9 | Oct 09, 2011, 03:54 PM EDT
Will "Liam" Clinton stop in Moneygall for a jar?
Towngate | Oct 09, 2011, 03:20 PM EDT
Why is crooked willy, who barely escaped impeachment by the skin of his cigar, still called 'President Clinton'? If I was Obama my teleprompt would tell me I was real pissed off about that!
whatISinAname | Oct 09, 2011, 01:29 PM EDT
Screw Eire. They have screwed the great grand children of Irish born out of citizenship with their racist fears in their 2005 immigration law and now they want that generation to come to their help. Blah blah
canadianirish | Oct 09, 2011, 01:26 PM EDT
I also watched Clinton's address online. He is bang on re the Irish diaspora. They/we are a huge untapped resource who could make an impressive contribution to Ireland's economy. I would like to see a similar summit held here in Toronto next spring and will be contacting our Canadian politicians to that end. I was particularly impressed with the idea of setting up a website whereby the diaspora could donate funds. Ireland also has a friend in Canada and I have no doubt that our politicians will jump on this idea. Our Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty, is often heard encouraging Canadian businesses to invest in Ireland. Too bad no Canadian's were invited to speak at Dublin Castle.
luxefaire | Oct 09, 2011, 12:04 PM EDT
as the illegitimate son of jfk (look into it) clinton certainly qualifies as irish, among many other things, but he is just a controller and a pig. He loves the police and the police state...ireland does not need his meddling at all.
cindyohcindy | Oct 09, 2011, 11:46 AM EDT
Why not kick start the American Economy??
Ajreaper | Oct 09, 2011, 11:25 AM EDT
Reading several comments below provides proof that those that attempt to do anything will get hammered. The economies of the world are more closely linked then at anytime in the history of our planet- simple fact is the better off other economies are the better off are economy will be so we help ourselves by helping others.
joan1954 | Oct 09, 2011, 10:45 AM EDT
I would certainly hope that this meeting be inclusive of inviting Irish groups and not just banking concerns from throughout the US and not just NY. Boston etc.. How could I get an invitation? I live in Texas and we are hardly ever included in anything.
Sparklet | Oct 09, 2011, 10:43 AM EDT
51st state looming.
simplesandy | Oct 09, 2011, 10:04 AM EDT
couldn't have said it any better LoyalCitizen. and now his wife plays peacemaker with northern Ireland.
Murph46 | Oct 09, 2011, 09:57 AM EDT
Watch out ,this is the guy who signed NAFTA that led to millions of jobs leaving the U.S.,then to follow that up,in a meeting in the Oval Office he decided that every American should have a home(whether or not they were qualified) and look what happened there.Oh,don't forget the infamous Blue Dress!
LoyalCitizen | Oct 09, 2011, 09:42 AM EDT
@gobdawpaddy: Your propaganda is nauseating.........Bill Clinton is a traitor to mankind and the Irish.........Bill Clinton can hold all the summits he likes. Bill Clinton got retarded traitorous Irish Politicians to asset strip Ireland and turn traitor on the Irish People just to finance pretentious American Corporations. When it all went sour they went stealing from Social Welfare Recipients to continue the charade of a failed artificial economy ( Celtic Tiger).
gobdawpaddy | Oct 09, 2011, 08:00 AM EDT
Watched Clinton's address online - he is very informed and seems to have a genuine interest in Ireland. This man is truly a friend, evidenced by the warm welcome he gets on every visit.