A senior American Congressman, Mr Benjamin A. Gilman, has suggested that in the new millennium Ireland must play a more active role in the defence of Europe, writes Dick Hogan.
Speaking at University College Cork yesterday Mr Gilman said: "Ireland will have to assume its rightful leadership role in Europe.
"As Ireland's economy continues to boom and as Ireland exerts its influence in the European union and establishes its membership in the NATO Partnership for Peace programme, we in the United States hope that Ireland will use its growing influence to help lead the transatlantic partnership we seek with Europe.
"Indeed, if our hopes regarding the Good Friday peace accord are met for Northern Ireland, there should be no limit to Ireland's ability to be a prominent advocate of this partnership. I should also mention the additional opportunity that Ireland will have for six months, beginning soon, to chair the committee of ministers of the Council of Europe with which the United States hopes to have a closer relationship over time."
Congressman Gilman has served as chairman of the House International relations committee since 1995.