Posted 13 November 2008
US Senator Patrick Leahy honoured by UCD
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to American and world politics, US Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont has received the James Joyce Award from the Literary & Historical Society of University College Dublin, Ireland, on Tuesday 11 November 2008.
“As the grandson of an Irish stonecutter whose forbearers immigrated to America and Vermont, I am honoured to be recognised with an award given in the name of one of the world's most influential Irishmen – James Joyce. I believe that America and Ireland not only share a past, but will also share a future. The decision by the UCD Literary and History Society to award a US Senator with the distinguished James Joyce Award demonstrates the unique cultural ties between our two nations,” said Senator Leahy.
Pictured far right: US Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont and his wife Marcelle Leahy during their visit to University College Dublin
“Senator Leahy receives the James Joyce Award for his outstanding contribution as a decisive and considered US Senator since 1974. Throughout his political career, the Senator has defended and promoted the rights of the individual. He has also been a leading proponent of international efforts that benefit Ireland, including the International Fund for Ireland,” said Ian Hastings, Auditor of the UCD Literary & Historical Society.
Senator Leahy gave a short opening address before engaging in a questions and answers session with the audience. The issues discussed revolved around the potential affects of the incoming administration of President Elect Obama on US Foreign Policy and US Corporation Tax Regulations. Following the Q&A session, the Senator accepted his award from the UCD Literary and Historical Society.
US Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont receives the James Joyce Award from Ian Hastings, Auditor of UCD Literary and Historical Society
Patrick Leahy has served in the United States Senate since 1974. A former prosecutor, Leahy currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the State Department and Foreign Operations, and as a senior member of both the Senate Appropriations and the Senate Agriculture Committees. As a member of the Senate, Leahy has been a leading proponent of funding the International Fund for Ireland, an international effort that supports reconciliation work between unionists and nationalists in Ireland. Leahy’s Irish ancestry traces back to County Cork and County Kerry.
Previous recipients of the James Joyce Award from the UCD Literary & Historical Society include: former UN Weapons Inspector, Hans Blix; Author, Salman Rushdie; the Beatles producer and music arranger, Sir George Martin; former Australian Prime Minister, John Howard; Hollywood comedian, Will Ferrell; and Harry Potter author, JK Rowling.
