Centre for American Studies to be set up

The Government has decided to honour the contribution made by former US president Mr Bill Clinton to the Northern Ireland peace process by setting up a Centre for American Studies.

Universities in the Republic will be asked to bid to host the William Jefferson Clinton Centre for American Studies. The Government is prepared to put up £2.5 million to build it and to offer £200,000 a year for running costs.

The announcement was made last night by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, at a gala dinner in honour of Mr Clinton at Dublin Castle, hosted by the Northern Ireland Fund for Reconciliation.

"The Government has been seeking various means of recognising the unprecedented commitment and contribution of President Clinton to Ireland," Mr Ahern told the 200 guests.

Interest in Ireland among US scholars grew strongly during the Clinton presidency. Today, there are more than 40 programmes in place in US universities: "However, there is no comparable American Studies programme in this country."

The centre will bring together scholars and students of all aspects of American life, literature, history and culture: " will further strengthen the bonds between Ireland and the United States," said Mr Ahern.

A three-person committee, headed by Mr Dick Riley, who served as Education Secretary during Mr Clinton's two terms in office, will study proposals from Irish universities and recommend a location by July.

Links between Irish and US universities have been improved in recent years by the Mitchell Scholarships, which were created to honour the contribution of Senator George Mitchell.

The affection felt by the Irish people for Mr Clinton "has only grown stronger with the passing of time. We owe a very great deal to him and to all those who worked with him.

"I believe the William Jefferson Clinton Centre will be a fitting and enduring symbol of the huge respect and affection we in Ireland have for him," said the Taoiseach.

The dinner raised £700,000 for the NI Fund for Reconciliation, which is a charitable, non-political organisation set up by Senator Mitchell and the parties involved in the Good Friday agreement.

Today, Mr Clinton will travel to Derry.