The Rat Race

Whilst in DC somehow we were invited to attend a dinner full of world leaders and movers and shakers (as Tony Blair called them), where one of the speakers was Ken Blanchard author of The One Minute Manager

First he got the audience out of its seat....a task in itself given the nature of the assembled crew....to engage in some 'attitude exercises'. Feeling suitably admonished and challenged I settled back down in a more open frame of mind.

He told us we should start our days slowly. He thought it inappropriate to be woken by an ALARM clock, but better to be aroused by an OPPORTUNITY clock!

He gazed over the assembled diners and observed that many were engaged in the 'Rat Race'. Remember, he quipped, if you win, you are still a rat!!

Are you Tired of our Politicians?

Did you ever go beyond frustration with our elected representatives?

I watched Hearts & Minds this week and I was sick to my stomach.

I  just had the pleasure of leading a delegation of politicians, community leaders, church folk and business people to Washington DC - center of the free world.

What an uplifting experience....we enjoyed inspirational speeches from President Obama, former PM Tony Blair, etc, etc, etc......and then came home to Noel Thompson and crew...which brought us down to earth with a CRASH!!

ENOUGH, ENOUGH, ENOUGH I say.

Why do our politicians feel they have to expend all their energy in point scoring and knocking one another? We are in times of crisis and need clarity and direction, not bickering and division. I am not naive and don't expect unity on all matters. Indeed I am aware of the fundamental divisions in the United States....but at least they are unified that action is imperative. 

I have spent recent days with people from Gaza and Columbia and other war torn zones, all grasping for hope in our story. I could cry when I watch Noel's programme. I told them, we have peace but we don't have reconciliation. 

We have got to redouble our efforts to deliver reconciliation and to start to focus on what we agree on. I pray we will learn from the simple teachings on Jesus and learn to love each other and our neighbours.  

The Power of and Place of Prayer - British Press Spin!

It disappointed me to read the press coverage of the National Prayer Breakfast in the British Press, once I had returned home from Washington DC.

The London Times and Daily Telegraph took the stance that Tony Blair had thumbed his nose at Messrs Brown and Sarkozy by being the first European Leader to meet President Obama.

I was there when it happened and must put the record straight. In fact both gentlemen were the guests of a number of Congressmen and Women who meet weekly in support of each other and in prayer. The Congressional Leaders are in turn supported by the National Prayer Breakfast Organisation that coordinates all the practical arrangements, including issuing the invitations and collating the responses and organising the seating plan.

Both men were invited to speak and share thoughts regarding their own faith and and issues of faith generally. It is traditional for the President to attend and every year the keynote speaker has been someone of considerable interest. Recent speakers have included King Abdullah of Jordan, Mother Theresa, Benazir Bhutto and Bono.

I have been asked who was the better speaker. I am not sure it is a fair question. Both were excellent and had interesting perspectives. The President drew attention to a new initiative involving faith based organisations - cleverly harnessing the wonderful work of many volunteers involved in delivering community services; but at the same time maintaining the separation of Church and State.

Tony Blair struck a cord with many, speaking with great sincerity about his personal journey of faith and the important role played by a school teacher in his early childhood. 

He told how his family was thrown into turmoil when his father suffered a stroke at the early age of 40. His stoic mother sent young Tony off to school as normal. When the young student was clearly upset his teacher said "don't worry Tony. Will we say a prayer for your Dad?". Tony replied tearfully that his father didn't believe in God and his teacher responded "Don't worry, God believes in your father!"

I also read on my return to Ireland about Nurse Caroline Petrie suspended after offering to pray for a patient....interesting parallel with young Tony's mentor!

 

Washington Reception for Irish Delegation

Journeying to the center of the 'free world' always inspires me.

Washington in the District of Columbia has to be one of the most energising places in the world and Virginia beyond is one of the most beautiful.

Three Presidents' Club Trustees engaged in a week long packed schedule of events surrounding the National Prayer Breakfast.

The Irish Delegation was involved in soul searching meetings and stimulating engagements with groups from the United States and leaders from 180 other countries.  There were Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers, Ambassadors, Generals, Parliamentarians, business people and men and women from faith based organisations.

In advance of the main event (the breakfast attended by President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Tony Blair) the two highlights for the group were the welcome to Capitol Hill by Congressman Mike Doyle and a welcome reception co-hosted by the NI Bureau and the Irish Embassy.

Those attending were entertained by East Belfast songsmith Brian Houston at gatherings throughout the week. Brian's 'week' was followed by Radio Ulster listeners as he phoned in details of his progress.

In addition to the social element of the week, local politicians Carmel Hannah and Danny Kennedy together with Mark J Finlay and Richard Treacy met with groups from Gaza and Columbia to talk about lessons to be learned from Northern Ireland in peace and reconciliation. 

 

Dan Rooney's Steely Victory....What Next?!

Arizona 23-27 Pittsburgh - Well what a game! Experts say it was the best Super Bowl ever. Well done to both teams.

Now, whilst there will be Arizona supporters amongst you, we must celebrate with the great Dan Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and one of the most influential Irish Americans. Dan is a co-founder The Ireland Funds.

In recent times he has hit the headlines for his significant support and endorsement of Barack Obama for President. He is quoted as saying "When I think of Barack Obama’s America I have great hope. I support his candidacy and look forward to his Presidency."

In the days before Super Bowl XLII President Obama endorsed Dan Rooney.


In 2008, Rooney became an honorary Commander of the British Empire for his quiet work behind the scenes helping to establish peace, stability and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Now speculation is mounting that President Obama (or is it O'Bama) will appoint Rooney as his Ambassador to Dublin.

I am sure if that happens the increasingly cooperative relationship between the US Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate in Belfast (an offshoot of the London Embassy) will grow as Dan genuinely cares for the entire island.

Setting aside his enormous philanthropic influence, it is his business acumen that will characterise his Ambassadorship (if that is what transpires). We all know, in these challenging times, the special relationship (as the 51st State) between the US and Ireland is going to evolve. The relationship in the years ahead MUST be about reciprocity NOT remittance!

Now back to Mr Rooney...well done Sir and we hope and pray you will be granted great wisdom for the decisions that have to be taken in coming days and years. We wish you well for your future (which may intertwine with ours!)

Presidents' Prayer in Washington DC

Three Presidents' Club Trustees have the privilege of coordinating the Irish delegation at the National [President's] Prayer Breakfast in the US Capital on Thursday.

This promises to be a very EXCITING week for us and I undertake to Blog as things unfold in Washington DC.


This is the 57th National Prayer Breakfast. It is sometimes incorrectly referred to as the President's Prayer Breakfast, when in fact it is hosted by Members of Congress and attended by the President. When Ronald Reagan addressed the breakfast as President he incisively said "I recognise we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it's all right to keep asking if we're on His side."

Last year we brought an eclectic group of community, political, business and cultural reps. This year we are joined by Carmel Hannah of the SDLP and Ulster Unionist Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy. There are 15 in the delegation from the island, from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Also, to reflect the the mood of optimism (well at least change) in the air with President Obama's arrival on the scene, we thought singer songwriter Brian Houston and his uniquely Belfast style would add a bit of spice to our delegation.

Visit www.brianhouston.com or itunes.

Brian is breaking off from his UK tour and flying in from London to join us, so he will have his guitar and harmonica with him. Thus we have seized the opportunity to arrange a reception for the many friends of the island of Ireland attending along with leaders and delegations from over from 130 countries. This event is being kindly hosted by the NI Washington Bureau and the Irish Embassy.

If you happen to be in DC on Wednesday night Brian will be playing from 9 to 11 at the Churchill Hotel on Connecticut Avenue.

Now, I can assure you, it is not just Breakfast with the President (and 3,500 others) on Thursday and a reception on Wednesday night. We have wall-to-wall meetings set up with Congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle and many other friends of Ireland.

This is a new era and the nature of the relationship between Ireland (indeed all of Europe) and America is going to change. Our agenda, as an International organisation that just happens to be based in Belfast, is to focus on developing collaborative links.  With the strength of the Dollar, this is the time for our talented entrepreneurs to be offering Outsourcing Solutions to US companies. Such 'foot-hold' relationships may in time lead to FDI investment....but realistically, this should be our focus right now.

Congressman Mike Doyle, who is favorably disposed towards Ireland, has made as his theme the support of US Small and Medium Sized technology companies. Our message is that we open opportunities for American SMEs and there will be a win-win by fostering links with Irish based SMEs.