TRIBUTES

Michael Quinlin

Irish Americans for Obama/Biden

August 31, 2009

Like everything he did in his political career, Senator Ted Kennedy sought to understand and master the nuances of Northern Ireland's political, economic and cultural complexities. 

He wielded a full arsenal of insight, passion and wisdom, along with personal convictions and personable skills to help create an environment for negotiation in Northern Ireland. He dispatched his sister Jean Kennedy Smith and talented staff members from his office to the Clinton Administration, and they helped President Bill Clinton and Special Envoy George Mitchell jumpstart and then solidify the peace process. 

Just as he reached across the aisle in Congress, Senator Kennedy reached across the community divide in Northern Ireland to bring everyone into the conversation for peace. He picked up the phone frequently to ensure that party leaders in Northern Ireland stayed the course in their search for a lasting resolution. 

Senator Kennedy's optimism, can-do attitude and desire to reach common ground exemplify the best characteristics of Irish-American involvement in Northern Ireland in our lifetime.