George Bush actually said...

"We accept this crystal of shamrocks, not just as a symbol of Ireland but as a symbol of a strong friendship between our nations."

"I assured him, and will continue to do so, that the United States stands ready to help in any way that the governments involved need."

"Ireland's most precious gift to the world has been the Irish."

"The United States is proud of our strong ties of trade and investment and proud that they have contributed to the strong economy that you have led."