TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen will emphasise that the Irish economy is fundamentally sound when he addresses the New York Stock Exchange today. He will ring the opening bell to mark the start of trading, an honour normally reserved for heads of state and government and other public figures.
In what is described as a keynote address, the Taoiseach will focus on Ireland's response to current global economic uncertainties. His message to this major centre of commercial activity will be that the underlying health of the Irish economy remains solid.
Mr Cowen is expected to point out that Ireland has a low level of public debt, a well-educated labour force and a low tax burden on businesses and their employees. He is likely to emphasise that his Government is committed to enhancing Ireland's competitiveness on the global market.
This is Mr Cowen's first official visit to the US since becoming Taoiseach. His itinerary is confined to New York, with a special emphasis on business and on getting the message across that Ireland remains an attractive industrial location.
Irish-American business sources say there has been a whispering campaign in New York commercial circles that the downturn in Ireland's construction industry reflects an underlying decline in the economy as a whole.
Mr Cowen's visit is aimed at reassuring potential investors that the Irish economy remains fundamentally sound.
This kind of reassurance is seen as essential if Ireland is to retain its place as a prime location for US investment.
Mr Cowen will then meet New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, a highly influential figure who was a key participant in the conference for US investors in Belfast in May.
Tomorrow morning, he will have a private meeting with the editorial board of the Wall Street Journal, where the economy and last month's Lisbon Treaty referendum are likely to be discussed.
The newspaper welcomed the rejection of the treaty as a "blow for democracy" in Europe.
The first engagement on Mr Cowen's schedule yesterday was the opening of an exhibition at the Irish Arts Centre, featuring older members of the Irish-American community by photographer John Minihan, well-known for his studies of writer Samuel Beckett.
Mr Cowen said: "The men and women celebrated in these photos are rich with life's experiences while still young with the zest for life.
"You are the men and the women who not only help make the name of Ireland and the Irish great in this country, you also helped make this country great.
"Many of you left Ireland in some of the worst years of Ireland's history with little cause to love or have fond memories of your homeland. Despite this, you never lost your love of and commitment to your native land," he added.
"I can assure you that we in Ireland have not forgotten you and what you have done for us over the decades of your lives here."
