Irish leader Enda Kenny makes historic visit to New York's Freedom Tower - VIDEO

First world leader to visit top of New York City Freedom Tower

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Taoiseach Enda Kenny visits the 9/11 Memorial in lower Manhattan

Photo by James Higgins

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The Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said the reconstruction of the Twin Towers site is “symbolic of the path Ireland is taking” on its path to economic recovery.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny made the comments when he visited the Freedom Tower in downtown Manhattan on Sunday and became the first political leader to visit the top of the Ground Zero redevelopment.

“It is a privilege to be here on St Patrick’s Day, 2013,” he said. “My understanding is that this is the first opportunity for a political leader to come this high.” 

The Irish leader and his wife Fionnuala both signed their names and the date on an iron girder of the 105th floor.

He also visited the Queens neighborhood of Breezy Point, which was badly affected by Hurricane Sandy last October.

On Saturday, Kenny marched down Fifth Avenue in the New York St Patrick’s Day parade. He also met with New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who he presented with an “emigrant’s teapot.”

A St. Patrick’s gift from the Irish nation to Breezy Point after Sandy - Irish leader Enda Kenny visits as embattled community fights back

On Monday the Irish leader travelled to Washington DC, where he was presented with an award at George Washington University.

Today he will present President Obama with the traditional bowl of shamrock in the White House in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

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