As he returns to America, retiring US ambassador James Kenny reflects on his time in Ireland
Over the past three years, I have had the extraordinary privilege to serve my country as the United States Ambassador to Ireland.
For my family and me, it has been a remarkable journey filled with great memories of both exceptional people and momentous events.
The United States and Ireland share a bond that is unique among nations; one built upon shared history, culture and kinship, and I count myself lucky to have been involved closely in the unfolding story of that relationship.
Thinking back over my tenure, I can see clearly that I served during an important time for both our countries. In 2004, not long after my arrival, Ireland assumed the EU presidency and hosted a very successful EU summit. Since then Irish officials here, in Brussels, Washington and New York have continued to serve as a diplomatic bridge between the United States and Europe, even as they pursue further EU integration.
Regarding Northern Ireland, our embassy has worked closely with the Irish Government in support of the peace process, which has seen unprecedented steps by the republican community to disavow violence. My hope is that all parties will seize the moment in the coming months to forge a lasting political framework for peace and equality.
The last three years have also been a time of great change in Ireland itself, with the arrival of hundreds of thousands of workers following the accession of new EU member states. This is a development not unlike the arrival of Irish immigrants in the United States during the industrial age, and I trust that the US experience will be instructive for the integration of Ireland's new communities.
Looking back, I also take pride in the wide-ranging exchanges that have been established between our two countries. In the wake of Ireland's own economic successes, and especially after 9/11, there had been a drop in the number of applications for the J-1 visa programme, which helps to build mutual understanding by providing Irish young people with temporary work opportunities in the United States.
We at the embassy worked to re-establish awareness of the programme and now application numbers are back on the rise, contributing one again to bilateral ties. We have established exchanges on special education and entrepreneurial teaching and I have interacted with many Irish Government officials on the need for higher education funding.
I have also been an active supporter of the Fulbright programme, the Mitchell Scholars, the Washington-Ireland Programme, the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship and academic exchanges between Irish and US universities.
I have been deeply involved in education because I believe it holds the key to Ireland's continued economic success and to all-island economic opportunities in support of the Northern peace process.
In addition to educational exchanges, my embassy helped to found the US-Ireland R&D Partnership, which fosters collaboration among researchers in the United States, Ireland and Northern Ireland in the study of cystic fibrosis, diabetes, respiratory illness, and nanotechnology.
Health exchanges have also included reciprocal government and private sector visits focusing on cancer and avian influenza preparedness.
As a businessman myself, I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity for advocacy on behalf of US companies in Ireland. With over 600 firms resident here, providing employment directly to 100,000 people and indirectly to 250,000 people, the US business presence is not only an economic phenomenon, but also a central factor in overall diplomatic relations.
Just as Irish immigrants helped to make the United States the economic power that it is today, so has US investment helped to fuel Ireland's Celtic Tiger success.
During my tenure I have also seen a significant increase in Irish investment in the United States, creating jobs and commercial opportunities, proving the value of a liberal transatlantic marketplace.
I have pushed for bilateral open skies and for Irish flexibility in the context of the Doha Round negotiations with a view to strengthening the trade, investment and tourism links that have benefited our countries so greatly.
Of course, there have been a few bumps in the road. I realise that many Irish citizens disagree with some facets of US policy, such as the policy in Iraq. However, it is important to acknowledge the shared democratic values that enable us to discuss our difference openly and respectfully.
We must also note that, on a daily basis, in a broad range of forums, Irish and US diplomats and non- governmental organisations co-operate in support of mutual interests, such as human rights, arms control, development assistance and disaster relief.
Not only did our two governments consult regularly in response to the Asian tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake, but private Americans, including my own family, volunteered to support Irish fundraisers for reconstruction efforts. I will never forget Ireland's generous and heartfelt support to my countrymen after our own Hurricane Katrina.
As I end my three years as ambassador, I am grateful for the chance I have had to serve my country and to interact with the Government and people of Ireland. I look forward to a bright future for both our countries.
Whether in private houses or the houses of Government, on golf courses or on the hurling fields, my family and I have enjoyed the warmest Irish hospitality and have developed a fondness of the Irish people that will stay with us forever. I plan to return to Ireland many times so I will not say good-bye but only wish you all well until we meet again.