Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian Cowen has announced his plan to conduct a historic all Ireland-U.S. strategic review of the relationship between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the U.S.

Cowen has requested that Washington, D.C.-based Ambassador Michael Collins undertake the review to explore new economic opportunities between Ireland and the U.S., reflecting the political progress made in the relationship between the north and the south. It is understood that Collins will undertake, review and report to the government by the end of the year.

In a statement Collins said that as part of this process he has invited considered contributions from the widest possible sources. "Relations between our two countries and peoples have never been better," Collins said.

"The review will map out how relations can be further developed in this era of peace and economic development. I am looking forward to receiving considered contributions from across the U.S. from Irish organizations and individuals by the end of October 2008."

During his inaugural visit as taoiseach to the U.S. in July, Cowen spoke of the close ties between Ireland and the U.S., and said that in the context of peace in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland's economic development he foresaw new opportunities for both the north and south.

It's understood that the new strategic review arises from - and will reflect - the political and economic progress that have been made north and south in recent years. In Washington, D.C., where the recent focus has been almost exclusively on the Irish peace process, it is felt the review will be a timely reminder of the totality of Irish progress.

Declan Kelly, the Tipperary-born CEO of financial company FD in New York told the Irish Voice, "I do think it's a good idea to do this and I applauded the taoiseach's original announcement to do so earlier this year at the Wall Street 50, where he was given a standing ovation."

Kelly added, "There are two are three reasons to have this review. First in response to the changing political landscape. It's undeniable that Ireland's relationship with America over the last eight years has changed, and in my opinion deteriorated at a political level because we were not as important in the overall landscape as we were under the previous administration.

"It's also important because of the changing economic realities of both countries and the current market turmoil that we see in front of us. And it's very important from a business management and business development standpoint for both countries that there's a much deeper level of investigation of the potential collaboration that can exist in the new modern economy."

Conscious of the role that Irish American groups and organizations have made to Ireland's political and economic regeneration, the Irish government wishes to hear from the widest possible array of sources.

To that end the government will strive for inclusivity in painting a portrait of new relationships between Ireland and the U.S.Considered contributions, to arrive no later than the end of October, are requested via the email link on the embassy's webpage, www.embassyofireland.org, or by post to Strategic Review, Embassy of Ireland, 2234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008-2849.