President Clinton and his family are welcome indeed to Ireland, on the third visit here since he assumed office in 1993. That he has chosen to return just before he leaves the White House, reveals not only his affection for - and interest in - Irish affairs, but the crucial political role the United States has played in the Northern Ireland peace process. It is one of the principal foreign policy achievements of Mr Clinton's presidency, a point he has frequently made by invoking it as a model for the resolution of similar conflicts elsewhere in the world.
His arrival on this occasion will be a catalyst for renewed efforts to overcome the difficulties over decommissioning of IRA arms, demilitarisation of border areas and participation in the North-South Ministerial Council that currently bedevil the Belfast Agreement. As a British source quoted in this newspaper yesterday, put it: "It is about pushing things further forward. As always, it's the sequencing that's the problem. But the President's imminent arrival has increased the tempo, and it reminds people of the big picture". Mr Clinton is understandably reluctant to become involved in negotiations; regrettably, it has not been possible to prepare an agreement he could have endorsed while he is here. But all those concerned certainly need to be reminded of the big picture - and there is no better man to do that than President Clinton. If agreement is not reached soon, there is a grave danger that circumstances will drift, as an election looms in the UK, making it increasingly difficult to manoeuvre. Mr Clinton's visit to Dundalk today gives the town a great opportunity to demonstrate how peace has brought prosperity to a Border region. It also underlines the issues at stake in the arguments over demilitarising, when dissident republicans threaten the agreement. The President's visit to Belfast will demonstrate how an increased tempo can overcome negotiating logjams. His dinner with Mr Tony Blair in London tomorrow evening will complete the circuit and, the Government hopes, could set the scene for further peace initiatives.
It is most unlikely that the level of interest and involvement shown by Mr Clinton in Irish affairs will be replicated by his successor (whose name we may learn while he is in Ireland after the US Supreme Court hearing yesterday). But that is not to say the transformation in Irish-American relations during his two terms will be reversed. Northern Ireland has been the main agenda item in that relationship, but it is by no means the only one. Yesterday's announcement that a US pharmaceutical company is to create over 1,000 jobs in Longford, is a timely reminder of how crucial American investment has been for the Irish economy. The peace process opens up real opportunities to spread those benefits across the Border. It also opens up further contacts with Irish-Americans, who are descended from all the main political and religious communities on this island.
Ireland's multiple political and cultural identities are drawn from our own traditions, from Europe, Britain and from North America. President Clinton's visit reminds us that the transatlantic relationship is a rich and diverse resource for Ireland. We have been privileged indeed to have had it developed so much during his presidency and can be sure that, with care and attention, it will develop further after he leaves office.