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President Clinton announces Irish Diaspora summit in New York

Diaspora to be invited to invest in Ireland at 2012 US Forum

CATHAL DERVAN,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Thursday, October 27, 2011, 10:37 AM

Updated Thursday, October 27, 2011, 10:37 AM

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Bill Clinton

Photo by Ralph Alswang / Clinton Foundation

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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

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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".

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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.

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penn2000 | Oct 09, 2011, 05:34 PM EDT

great job by bill clinton. he looks so good compared to obama.

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KMcSinger | Oct 09, 2011, 03:57 PM EDT

I LOVE Clinton

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Springfield9 | Oct 09, 2011, 03:54 PM EDT

Will "Liam" Clinton stop in Moneygall for a jar?

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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cindyohcindy | Oct 09, 2011, 11:46 AM EDT

Why not kick start the American Economy??

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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.

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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.

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