Ireland’s Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams joined Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) for St. Patrick’s Day events in Western New York.  This marks Mr. Adam’s first visit to Buffalo.   

“Western New York has a strong and proud Irish history,” said Congressman Brian Higgins.  “We welcome Gerry Adams, who made history when he negotiated peace in his country, clearly demonstrating a commitment to providing a better future for the people of Ireland.”  

Gerry Adams marched with Congressman Higgins in the “Old Neighborhood Parade” along a route that travels through the Valley and Old First Ward sections of the City, where the Irish first settled in Buffalo.  Following the parade, Mr. Adams spoke at public appearances at the Valley Community Center and the Buffalo Irish Center. 

Congressman Higgins, a member of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee for Irish Affairs, and Mr. Adams have come to know one another through meetings in Washington, DC and Ireland.  

 Sinn Fein is the oldest political movement in Ireland.  It takes its name from the Irish Gaelic expression for ``We Ourselves.''  Last year Gerry Adams met with Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley and the two reached a historic joint settlement for a peaceful and democratic Northern Ireland.