October 8, 1999
Web posted at: 6:12 p.m. EDT (2212 GMT)

WASHINGTON -- President Bill Clinton apologized Friday for comparing participants in the Northern Ireland peace process to a couple of Irish drunks.

In a written statement, Clinton said, "Earlier today, in a discussion of the Irish peace process, I used a metaphor that was inappropriate, I want to express my regret for any offense my remark caused."

Clinton, whose ancestors came from Ireland, made the analogy in Ottawa, Canada. At the dedication of the new U.S. Embassy Clinton said the two sides in the Northern Ireland matter had faltered because they were like "a couple of drunks" who can't leave the bar.

"I spent an enormous amount of time trying to help the people in the land of my forebears in Northern Ireland get over 600 years of religious fights," said the president. "And every time they make an agreement to do it, they're like a couple of drunks walking out of the bar for the last time. When they get to the swinging door, they turn right around and go back in and say 'I just can't quite get there.'"

The audience laughed.

Friday, October 8, 1999

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• Clinton apologizes for Irish 'metaphor'
• Senate Democrats move to postpone test ban vote
• Transcript: Donald Trump announces plans to form presidential exploratory committee
• Video: Media grabs political play of the week
• Video: Think you can be president?
• NHPrimary.com: State won't fight primary date
• Hillary Clinton files 'statement of candidacy' for Senate
• Senator criticizes Ventura for suicide remarks
• Birmingham, Montgomery to vote on mayors next week
• Bill would combine minimum wage increase and tax cuts
• Court orders woman linked to Gingrich to testify in his divorce
• A church and a ballot measure: Is Mormon fund raising illegal?
• Mayor to resign in furor over puppy's death
• GOP giving Clinton billions more for housing, space
• Herenton easily wins third term as Memphis mayor after tough contest

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