Ireland can play a crucial role within the EU to forge a more constructive relationship with the US, even if we find the US administration difficult to deal with at times, according to newly-elected Munster MEP Mr Simon Coveney.
Speaking at the annual Michael Collins commemoration at Béal na mBláth in Co Cork yesterday, the Fine Gael deputy said the transatlantic relationship would play a pivotal role in Ireland's future.
He warned that as the potential for political friction and economic strife between the EU and the US remains, there is a danger that Ireland could be caught in the middle.
"This has already arisen with the difficult positions taken in relation to the war on Iraq and the continued so called 'war on terrorism'. Ireland found itself in a difficult position, resulting in our Government taking an ambiguous and gutless stand, trying to keep all sides happy. There is a vital national interest for Ireland in promoting the maximum level of co-operation, understanding and integration between the US and Europe."
Mr Coveney argued that Ireland needs to push strongly the idea of setting up an Institute for Transatlantic Co-operation in this country. He claimed Ireland was in an ideal position to forge closer ties with the US.
He said that while the vast majority say they want to see a united Ireland, very few are contributing anything towards promoting greater understanding between North and South.
Mr Coveney added that most of us are doing nothing to even get to know the North. "How many of us know even five people from the North, yet we want it to be part of our country again.
"It should not fall to politicians alone to help Ireland evolve into a united island, public representatives need to provide leadership, but we all must undertake the fundamental change in attitude." He added that without contact and interaction, the frost that exists between communities of a different view to our own North of the Border will never thaw.
Mr Coveney's delivery of the oration at Béal na mBláth came exactly 20 years after his late father, Hugh, was the keynote speaker.
He said Ireland had changed considerably since his father was giving his speech. He claimed that while the economic boom of recent years has been hugely positive for Ireland, it hadn't come without a price.
"This price is not an obvious one and many would argue that it is one worth paying in the relentless pursuit of economic prosperity. What I am talking about lies in the shadows of modern Ireland, only revealed by the staggering suicide rate among young men, the alcohol-fuelled violence on our streets, the growing numbers affected by mental illness and the loneliness of our disregarded and degraded elderly."