Obama, Cowen praise N. Ireland response to attacks

[bemildred]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, March 17 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen on Tuesday praised Northern Ireland's response to a spate of political violence as they marked a St. Patrick's Day tinged with reminders of the provinces's recent troubles.

After a meeting in the Oval Office and the ceremonial presentation of a bowl of shamrocks, both Cowen and Obama praised Northern Ireland for its response to the killing of two British soldiers and a policeman in separate attacks by Irish Republican Army splinter groups earlier this month.

"In recent days an evil unrepresentative, a tiny minority, has challenged democratic institutions which we have built together in Ireland," Cowen told a White House gathering.

"The people of Ireland North and South have risen to the challenge," he added. "They have rejected violence and division, they have stood by peace, reconciliation, democracy and friendship."


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed1/idUSN17273530

[Howardx]

1. i heard

sinn fein leaders went to the policeman's funeral. that says a lot.

[JuniperLea]

2. I wonder if the Cowen's and the Cowan's are related...

;)

[Howardx]

3. haha!

could be!