I do not know of any other nation that had a national day of remembrance

Hillary Clinton

Mrs Clinton had talks with Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and told of her hopes to build stronger relations between the two countries to create "new opportunities for both of our peoples".

As well as representatives from the Atlantic Corridor movement, which promotes business between the two nations, members of New York's Fire Department were at Government Buildings in Dublin to meet Mr Ahern.

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Clinton said Ireland had shown a "well thought-out balanced approach" to the the development of the Irish economy in recent years.

She praised this as a "real example" for the rest of the world and "particularly in New York".

Ties

She added: "It is a great honour on behalf of New York to thank you here in Dublin, for the extraordinary support that Ireland gave to New York and America following September 11.

"I do not know of any other nation that had a national day of remembrance and that demonstrated to all of us the deep ties between our countries and particularly between New York and Ireland.

"The ties between us are only getting stronger.

"I know that there will be many more opportunities for the kind of relationships that we already are blessed with, to deepen and provide more opportunities for New York and Ireland."

A planned visit by Mrs Clinton was postponed after the terror attacks, but Mr Ahern thanked Mrs Clinton for keeping the engagement "so soon after the tragic events".

Mrs Clinton will have talks with Irish President Mary McAleese at her official residence in Phoenix Park later on Tuesday.

She is also due to meet a delegation from Ireland's business community before giving a speech to an audience of more than 1,000 people at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce gala dinner.

Her visit comes after Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble faced much criticism for describing the Republic of Ireland as "a pathetic sectarian state".

But Mr Trimble said his remarks had been taken out of context and questioned why they had hit a "raw nerve".