University College Dublin President's Office, Michael Tierney Building Belfield Dublin 4.
28 November 2000
Mr Bertie Ahern TD An Taoiseach Government Buildings Dublin 2
Dear Taoiseach,
I was very happy to hear that President Clinton's forthcoming visit to Ireland has been confirmed. It is my sincere hope that this visit will give a further boost to the Peace Process which both he and yourself have done so much to advance.
At UCD, we would like to mark this visit by honouring the contribution which President Clinton has made to the Peace Process as well as to enhancing the relationship between Ireland and the United States. In particular, we intend to name our newly established Centre for American Studies the William Jefferson Clinton Centre for American Studies. UCD has made great advances in this field and is in the process of appointing Ireland's first Professor of American Studies. Our American Studies Programme involves academics from several departments within the university. In time, this Programme will be located in the Clinton Centre which, given the required funding of £2 million, could be completed by the end of 2001.
I attach a copy of my recent letter to President Clinton inviting him to visit UCD. I hope that the government will support this initiative which promises to recognise appropriately the great co-operation that has evolved between Ireland and the United States.
Yours sincerely,
Art Cosgrove,
President