St Patrick's Day messages

The annual St Patrick's Day message by the Irish President, Mary McAleese.

``Beannachtai na Feile Padraig ar chlann mhor domhanda na nGael, sa bhaile agus ar fud na cruinne, ar an la naisiunta ceiliurtha seo.

``A Happy St Patrick's Day to Ireland's sons and daughters and indeed to our adopted brothers and sisters throughout the world.

``This St Patrick's Day is a particularly special time for Ireland. Today our national day is celebrated during Ireland's presidency of the European Union, when the European family of nations is about to adopt many new members.

``These are times of great hope for the nations of Europe and this great project will surely be a beacon to the other nations of the world. We welcome those new members and look forward to a future of friendship and fellowship with them and their peoples. St Patrick himself was, of course, a great European whose vision was not bounded by narrow horizons.

``Around the world, on this day, we come together to celebrate the music and song, the wit and humour, the friendship and fellowship that is our heritage and our pride.

``Many friends will join in the festivities here in Ireland and abroad, and will carry with them the richness of fluent and open friendship that signifies our Irishness.

``Our greatest gift as a people is our openness to new experiences and genuine curiosity about other cultures while we continue to inspire other nations with our legacy of resilience, versatility, and enthusiasm for whatever the future holds.

``That great capacity to adapt underlies much of our economic and cultural successes over the past decade.

``These shared gifts have sustained and encouraged us through every challenge we have faced throughout history.''

The following is the text of President Bush's St. Patrick's Day message.

``I send greetings to those celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
``On March 17, we honor the remarkable life of Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. He helped bring Christianity to the Irish people. His generosity and love of liberty shaped Ireland's history and culture, and through generations of immigrants, those values have helped shape America.
``We are grateful for the many ways Irish-Americans have blessed our country. They have helped to expand our economy, create our communities and defend our homeland. Through their public service, they have strengthened our democracy, and their dedication to faith and family has enriched our nation's character.
``Laura joins me in sending our best wishes for a happy St. Patrick's Day.''

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