Speaking at the National Gala of the American Ireland Fund on the eve of St Patrick’s Day, Hillary Clinton reminisced about her first memory of Sharon, when Sharon wrote to President Bill Clinton when she was 14 years old. Hillary Clinton continued , “Bill and I stayed in touch with Sharon over the years. And when I was a senator from New York she served as an intern in my office. And then she returned to Northern Ireland and continued to pursue her passion for politics, winning a seat on her city and district council. And when I was in Northern Ireland last October, we had our first visit in several years, and I was not surprised to hear her determination that she was going to be part of helping to shape a new future for Northern Ireland.”
Speaking after the keynote speech, Cllr Sharon Haughey said, “I’m absolutely thrilled that Hillary, once again mentioned me in one of her keynote speeches. I received a call from Hillary Clinton’s Office on the day of the speech to let me know Hillary’s intentions. It’s very exciting and real honour that Hillary Clinton continues to have such a genuine interest in Irish affairs and that she has not forgotten me.
“I will be in touch with Hillary over the coming weeks to thank her for mentioning me and to update her on the current political situation.”
Cllr Sharon Haughey continues to stay in touch with both Hillary and Bill Clinton, since she introduced President Clinton to Armagh in 1998. She continues to encourage the Clintons to visit Armagh again, and hopes that Hillary might influence President Barack Obama to visit the Cathedral City.
Hillary Clinton's Speech and full text can be found at the following link:
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/03/138441.htm
ENDS