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In Texas, McAleese reassures tourists

February 16, 2011

By Staff Reporter

By Pierce O’Reilly

President Mary McAleese has moved to reassure Americans that it is safe to visit Ireland this summer despite fears over the foot-and-mouth disease.

Speaking in Dallas, Texas, last week, McAleese said every effort is being made to prevent the spread of the outbreak. She said there was no reason for tourists to stay away.

"We’re open for business and it’s full steam ahead for the summer," she told packed arenas in Dallas and Houston.

The President of Ireland was in Texas last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to perform the opening ceremony at the Houston International Festival. The festival has Ireland, its music and its culture as its theme this year.

The president also met with Mayor Lee P. Brown of Houston at a special lunch for Houston business representatives. On Thursday, she delivered an address at the James A. Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. She also attended a breakfast business meeting hosted by the American Ireland Fund. On Friday, she attended a number of events concerning the Houston International Festival, culminating with a dinner hosted by the mayor.

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Joan Moody, president of the Irish and American Alliance of Texas, said McAleese chose George W. Bush’s home state because of its prominent beef processing industry. "She’s using the beef industry background to get across her message," Moody said.

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