The United States can continue to play an important role in the peace process under the leadership of President Barack Obama, Sinn Féin signalled today.
The party’s president Gerry Adams left this morning to attend the Washington DC inauguration of Mr Obama.
Mr Adams said the incoming US president had pledged action on a range of issues of importance to people in Ireland and he said Sinn Féin would seek to build a positive relationship with the Obama administration.
The Sinn Féin leader met Mr Obama in the run-up to the US presidential election campaign and today as he left for the US, Mr Adams paid tribute to the role America has played in ending the Troubles.
“The United States has played a consistently significant role in the Irish peace process over the last decade,” he said.
“President elect Obama has already committed to continuing US support for the Irish peace process.
“The new US President has also made positive comments on trade and investment, and has acknowledged the need for immigration reform.
“Sinn Féin is committed to working with Irish America toward building on the positive relationship we have with both Democrats and Republicans and with the new administration in Washington.”
Mr Adams added: “The coming into office of the Obama administration will present many positive new opportunities.”
PA