Ronan Costello
Editor
On Tuesday, March 13, the Phil will host Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Leader of the US House of Representatives. Leader Pelosi will deliver an address entitled “E Pluribus Unum – Out of Many, One” as part of the first Phil Inaugural Ceremony since 2006, when it hosted Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her address will focus on the democratic traditions and ideals shared by the United States and Ireland. Leader Pelosi is set to accept the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage for her excellence in public life and outstanding contribution to politics.
Leader Pelosi was the highest ranking female politician in American history when she served as 60th Speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011, during which time she helped to spearhead the early legislative efforts of President Obama. Her most notable legislative achievement as Speaker was the passing of Obama’s health care legislation which is set to increase insurance coverage to over 30 million Americans and increase coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
Speaking about how Leader Pelosi’s visit came about, Phil President Eoin Ó’Liatháin said, “The Phil sent the invite to Leader Pelosi’s office in the summer of 2011. We were delighted to receive her acceptance letter and have over the last few months been liaising with her staff in preparation for the visit.”
The visit of a politician of Leader Pelosi’s stature naturally raises some security concerns. Ó’Liatháin said that “the Phil has had many meetings with college officials about security concerns. We are currently working together to ensure everything goes as planned.”
Planned events for the day include a tour of the college for Leader Pelosi and her delegation. This will be followed by a lunch in the College dining hall, with a string quartet from Trinity Orchestra setting the mood. Students representing a cross section of student life will be in attendance at this.
Leader Pelosi will then meet with the Taoiseach in the evening, returning at Trinity at 7pm for her key note address.
Details of Leader Pelosi’s entourage: There will be 27 people, including eight congressmen, four secret service men, a doctor and attending staff.
Democratic Leader, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-08)
Mr. Paul Pelosi
Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-05)
Mrs. Cheryl Sensenbrenner
Rep. George Miller (D-CA-07)
Mrs. Cynthia Miller
Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA-07)
Dr. Susan Blumenthal
Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA-02)
Rep. Jerry Costello (D-IL-12)
Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA-14)
Ms. Alexandra Doyle
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN-05)
Mr. John Lawrence, Chief of Staff, Office of the Democratic Leader
Ms. Wyndee Parker, National Security Advisor, Office of the Democratic Leader
Mr. Nadeam Elshami, Director of Communictions
Ms. Bridget Fallon, Director of Protocol
Ms. Kate Knudson, Executive Assistant
Ms. Catlin O’Neill, Chief of Staff of CA-8 District Office
Mr. Michael Lenn, Rep. Sensenbrenner staff
RADM Brian Monahan, MD, Attending Physician
Ollie Perkins, Diplomatic Security, Department of State
Colonel Todd Harmer
Lt Col Todd Taylor
MSgt Marvin Tasby
MSgt Lloyd Jenkins
