Irish-Americans
Rally to Clinton
750 Pack White
House
Washington, D.C., September 11, 1998 -- Irish-Americans
packed the White House on Friday evening at 5:30 to welcome President
Clinton back from Ireland -- and to show their steadfast loyalty to
"the President who brought peace to Ireland."
"Blessed are the peacemakers, they shall be called the sons
of God," quoted Fr. Sean McManus, President of the Capitol
Hill-based Irish National Caucus. "President
Clinton has admitted he sinned and has asked for forgiveness," he
said. "Let those without sin cast the first stone.
I will only cast forgiveness, prayers, and my eternal gratitude
at President Clinton."
President Clinton was presented with the Paul O'Dwyer Peace and
Justice Award. The Award
was presented by Paul's son, Brian.
The President gave a spirited speech to the 750 guests in which
he spoke about his recent visit to Ireland and about the Irish
peace-process -- and about the importance of the United States and
Irish-Americans staying involved in the peace-process.
"Irish-Americans love and respect President Clinton for all
he has done for peace in Ireland," explained Fr. McManus.
"We must stand by him now as he has stood by us.
We would be a horribly ungrateful and disloyal people if we
deserted him in his present difficulties.
You do not turn your back on a friend who has done so much
profound good. Furthermore,
it is absurd and ridiculous to suggest that because of his mistake, he
should be driven from office."
At the end of President Clinton's speech, Fr. McManus shook the
President's hand and told him that Irish-Americans would stand by him
and never forget him. The
President replied, "Thank you, Father."
