Title
Proclamation welcoming former Irish Prime Minister and current European Union Ambassador to the United States, John Bruton, to Allegheny County.
Body
WHEREAS, on April 9, 2008, Allegheny County Council will welcome Mr. John Bruton, European Union Ambassador to the United States and Head of Delegation for the European Commission, to Allegheny County, where he will meet with members of the Republican Caucus; and
WHEREAS, Ambassador Bruton previously served as Ireland's Prime Minister from 1994-1997, during which time he helped transform the Irish economy into the “Celtic Tiger,” with economy growth peaking at 11.1% in 1997; and
WHEREAS, as Prime Minister, Ambassador Bruton was instrumental in the Northern Irish Peace Process, which led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and he also helped finalize the Stability and Growth Pact, which governs the management of the Euro; and
WHEREAS, Ambassador Bruton has served in a multitude of positions since entering politics at the age of 22, including Member of Irish Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary and Ireland's Minister for Finance, Minister for Industry & Energy, and Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism; and
WHEREAS, in his current position as European Union Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Bruton has dedicated himself to working with government leaders, business leaders and students to emphasize the importance of the European Union-United States relationship in matters of trade, counterterrorism, public health, energy, the environment, and the promotion of peace, democracy, and human rights around the world;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council welcomes Ambassador John Bruton to Allegheny County this 9th day of April 2008. We are honored to have such a distinguished guest visit our County and we thank you for your continued efforts to develop a positive and productive relationship between the European Union and the United States.