No single foreign policy issue dominated Walsh's career as much as his effort to help bring peace to Northern Ireland, ending centuries of conflict between Protestants and Catholics. Walsh joined the congressional Friends of Ireland caucus and became its first Republican chairman in 1995. Walsh remained chairman for 12 years, using his influence in Congress and with the White House to keep the peace process moving forward, said Norman Houston, director of the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington, D.C. "Congressman Walsh understood very early on the constructive role the United States could play in bringing peace to Northern Ireland," Houston said, "and we will be forever grateful for his commitment to our region from the darkest days through to the light at the end of the tunnel." Houston, whose role is similar to an ambassador, also praised Walsh for establishing the Peace Process Reconciliation Visa Program in 1998, which became known as the Walsh Visa Program. Congressman James Walsh of New York served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal in the 1960's.
No single foreign policy issue dominated Walsh's career as much as his effort to help bring peace to Northern Ireland
Rep. James Walsh: Seven chapters in his legacy
Posted by Mark Weiner / Post-Standard
Washington Bureau December 26, 2008 1:12PM
Rep. James Walsh says he will look back on his 20-year career in Congress, satisfied that his work made a difference locally, nationally and internationally. Here's a look at seven of his accomplishments:
[Excerpt]
No single foreign policy issue dominated Walsh's career as much as his effort to help bring peace to Northern Ireland, ending centuries of conflict between Protestants and Catholics.
Walsh joined the congressional Friends of Ireland caucus and became its first Republican chairman in 1995.
Walsh remained chairman for 12 years, using his influence in Congress and with the White House to keep the peace process moving forward, said Norman Houston, director of the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington, D.C.
"Congressman Walsh understood very early on the constructive role the United States could play in bringing peace to Northern Ireland," Houston said, "and we will be forever grateful for his commitment to our region from the darkest days through to the light at the end of the tunnel."
Houston, whose role is similar to an ambassador, also praised Walsh for establishing the Peace Process Reconciliation Visa Program in 1998, which became known as the Walsh Visa Program.
The program established a work-visa exchange for more than 1,200 young people from Northern Ireland who came to the United States to learn job skills and broaden their horizons. One of the goals was to create better understanding between Protestants and Catholics.
"While some chose to support the peace process in rhetoric only, the congressman bolstered the prospects for peace by creating tangible opportunities for the next generation in Northern Ireland via the Walsh Visa Program," Houston said.
The leaders of Northern Ireland's new power-sharing government visited Congress last year and expressed deep gratitude for Walsh's efforts in the peace process.
"I have valued Jim Walsh's help and advice since I first met him," First Deputy Minister Martin McGuinness said earlier this year. "He has consistently supported the Irish peace process, particularly through some very difficult times."
Walsh became a regular visitor to Northern Ireland, leading delegations that included former President Bill Clinton. As a sign of their appreciation, several Irish leaders visited Syracuse.
Gerry Adams, the political leader of Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland's largest Catholic Party, took part in Syracuse's St. Patrick's Day parade in 2004. And Bertie Ahern, prime minister of the Republic of Ireland, accepted Walsh's invitation to visit Syracuse in 2005.
