Submitted by JAMES O'Hora, Sep 24, 2008 00:51

Yes it's true, Senator John McCain was a bit slow to recognize the importance of the granting of the 48 hour visa that was issued to Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, in February 1995. Like the article mentions, New York Congressman Peter King, who supported John McCain's first run for the White House in 2000, has had a positive influence on Senator's McCain's knowledge of the Northern Ireland Peace Process. With the benefit of 10-12 years of hindsight, there is no question the granting of the Adams visa by President Clinton help move along the peace process by many years. Irish Americans never had a chance to hear or meet Gerry Adams until he was allowed to visit the United States. Many people forget that Adams was banned from British TV and radio. Looking forward, it was very impressive for Senator McCain to come to Scranton and to attend the Irish Presidential Forum. More importantly, he also met privately with Irish-American leaders like National AOH President Seamus Boyle, and answered their questions directly. He was clear in his remarks, a McCain Administration will be a Friend of Irish America. By the way, where is Senator Obama? Why is he ducking this flexible forum? All the organizers need is a time and place and they will bring the forum directly to a location suitable to the junior Senator from Illinois. For me, as a first generation Irish American, I support Senator John S. McCain. By the way, that's me in the above picture at the Scranton rally in the front row smiling and holding the Irish for McCain sign. JTO

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