Ronald Reagan actually said...

We're grateful for the closeness of our historic heritage, just as we respect the proud independence of today's Ireland.

I encourage Americans of all faiths to walk together in such a spirit of reconciliation, rejecting violence in any form.

The national government also has an important, but limited, role to play in the education system.

I support a just and peaceful solution to the problems of Ireland and strongly condemn all acts of terrorism and violence.