Brian Cowen, Taoiseach

On Saint Patrick's Day, countless people throughout the world celebrate their Irish heritage. It will be my great privilege to visit the White House and meet for the first time as taoiseach with US president Barack Obama.

Ireland's relationship with America is of truly special importance to us. It is a relationship rooted not only in culture and history but it also encompasses our econ­omic interests and well-being in a global economy.

In the midst of the worst global recession since 1929, we must continue to build that relationship. Never has America's economic strength and leadership been so vital. Ireland's future prosperity depends on nurturing our priceless global connections and on developing the international trade and investment opportunities which will help us to return to strong economic growth.

In these challenging times, I want to utilise our close links with America and other trading partners to expand the business networks that support Irish jobs and to deepen our engagement with international business leaders to better support our long-term economic planning.

St Patrick's Day also gives us the opportunity to recognise the contribution of our emigrant communities across the world. Many millions of Irish were forced to leave home by economic conditions. Many of them helped us out when we were down and we should never forget or ignore them.

On the day I was elected taoiseach, I spoke about the great demographic changes that have taken place in our recent history. Ireland, which was once one of the most dispersed nations in the world, has become one of the most diverse nations and the change is visible and real.

It is important that, as we grow, we hold onto the best of the values that define us a people. The value of neighbourliness that bonds communities and gives identity to every village, town and city in the country. The value of respect for our elders, care for our weakest and welcome for the stranger. Our ability to create relationships and forge lasting friendships which is valued by others around the world.

As a country, we face challenging times to manage our way through this recession and to prepare for growth again. In my recent ard fheis speech, I spoke about how Ireland now needs a meitheal mentality. This St Patrick's Day, I appeal to all friends of Ireland at home and abroad to pull together for the good of Ireland and its people.