The Association of Refugee and Asylum-Seekers in Ireland wrote to Mr Clinton yesterday asking him to intercede on their behalf when he met the Taoiseach at Government Buildings. The association said it represented people from Nigeria, Congo, Albania, Angola, Somalia, Romania and other countries fleeing persecution and seeking refuge in Ireland.
The plea was supported by the Pilgrim House Community of Gorey, Co Wexford, which on Thursday night held a candle-lit vigil in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, location of the US ambassador's residence where Mr Clinton stayed.