By Business & Finance 
Pictured this morning at St Stephen’s Green were: Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii; Maryland Governor, Martin O’Malley; Ireland INC president, Ian Hyland; and Presidential Freedom Medal honouree, Congressman John Lewis.
Leaders from the Irish and American business sectors gathered at the Shelbourne Hotel this morning for a productive breakfast meeting with leading US politicians.
The business breakfast, hosted by Ireland INC, welcomed Maryland Governor, Martin O’Malley. Other notable attendees from the US political sphere included Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono and Presidential Freedom Medal honouree, Congressman John Lewis.
Irish Ambassador to the United States Anne Anderson also attended the 100 person breakfast, along with her counterpart at the US Embassy, Stuart Dwyer and a number of Irish Government ministers.
Ireland INC – a private sector platform aimed at promoting Irish business interests globally – also welcomed senior executives from a number of global companies including Twitter, Facebook, Eli Lilly, and Goldman Sachs. Speaking at the breakfast, Ireland INC president, Ian Hyland said: “The fact that we can gather such an authoritative and influential group of business and political leaders is not only testament to the strength of Irish-US business ties, but it is also a signal of our potential going forward.”
Discussions covered a diverse range of subjects including increasing the footprint of Irish-born companies in the US and encouraging continued US investment in Ireland. Following the 16th anniversary since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, attendees also discussed the importance of an all-island approach in increasing economic ties with the US.
Speaking on the occasion of the breakfast, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD noted the significance of the economic ties between Ireland and the US, saying: “An estimated 220 Irish companies have operations in the US, employing over 82,000 people and Ireland continues to be an attractive base for US companies. The USA and Ireland share a deep and enduring relationship which we will continue to nurture and develop to the mutual benefit of our people.”
The outcomes of the breakfast will now contribute to a six year strategy document for Ireland INC entitled ‘Ireland INC 2020: A Vision for the Future’ which was launched at the New York Stock Exchange in March of this year.
