Former US President Bill Clinton travelled to Ireland this week for a brief speaking tour which could net him upwards of £80,000. And after he played 36 holes of golf with former deputy prime minister Dick Spring on Monday and told reporters he loves the Emerald Isle, some say Bill’s in the market for a new holiday retreat.
“Bill loves the idea and the only issue is one of security,” says one insider about his possible new abode, thought to be in picturesque County Clare.
“We look forward to Mr Clinton acquiring a holiday home here,” says one local developer. “It’s fantastic that he likes the place so much. It raises the profile of the area enormously. He just can’t seem to keep away.” Clinton visited Ireland three times while in office and is said to be in “advanced negotiations” in acquiring a piece of property.
The former president paid a courtesy call on President Mary McAleese and later met with Prime Minister Bertie Ahern. Clinton is expected at Dublin Castle on Tuesday where he’ll be feted for his contributions to the peace process.
Speaking of his continuing role in brokering peace in Northern Ireland, Bill assured, “I’ll do the best I can.” He then down-played his previous involvement, saying: “The main thing I did anyway was just to encourage other people. The actors in the Irish peace processs deserved all the credit.”
Clinton’s itinerary includes stops in Belfast, Enniskillen and Derry before he heads for England.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
