July 14, 2005 - "Thank you for writing. As always, I appreciate your updates on the progress of Friendships Without Borders, and I commend you for your ongoing efforts. I wish you every future success."
Sincerely, Bill Clinton

October 7, 2002 - "we are very interested in working with Friendships Without Borders on the international health initiative. Specifically, we are willing to work with the leaders from the other academic institutions in developing an international health exchange. This could perhaps be structured as a two-week intensive exchange, with one week spent in Baltimore meeting with area scholars and leaders in the field involved in the activities described earlier. The second week (or longer if desired) could be spent in north and south Ireland with a similar experience.. Icontinue to support you in your efforts in creating an exchange program."
--Thomas O'Toole, MD Associate Director Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute, to FWB President, Niall Mac Allister, MD

October 7, 2002 - "This is an area of great interest to me personally and professionally and one that fits quite well with our organizational mission at the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute. Most intriguing is that many of the concerns and challenges that we are facing here in East Baltimore - growing economic, social and health disparities occurring in the shadow of a vibrant academic health environment and powerful medical-industrial complex - are international problems that we all share.

The purpose of this letter is to see whether we can move forward, based on this common defining need, with discussing, planning, and ultimately implementing an initiative that starts to address these concerns. My specific thoughts regarding this are to explore:

1. The development of an academic exchange program that specifically explores the dynamic tension and opportunities inherent in academic health centers, emerging technologies and economic opportunities in the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields, and the welfare of surrounding communities which have historically not been able to take advantage of these advances and developments.
2. Transnational scholarship in racial and ethnic health access and health outcome disparities in the context of growing income gaps, absolute and relative poverty, crime, discriminatory and prejudicial behavior, and economic empowerment (or lack thereof).
3. Sharing of and exposure to "best practices' and innovative models in the clinical, education, research, and economic development arenas that address issues of urban blight, multi-level disenfranchisement, and health care consequences.

I suspect that there are other contexts that may be more appropriate or added to this list. However, in terms of sustainable funding, I believe this topic focus would resonate with existing priority areas of several international foundations, Fulbright awards, Fogarty scholarships, and industry-sponsored philanthropy. At the same time, for an endeavor of this kind to be successful and meaningful, it is critical that it move beyond the theoretic or macro-economic level and be grounded in actual communities and institutions. The emphasis on research, educational exchange programs at the medical student, doctorial or post-doctoral student or faculty level, and "best practice" advancement could in part be dictated by available resources providing we are able to develop the appropriate grounding and basis."
--Thomas O'Toole, MD Associate Director for Academic Programs Johns Hopkins Urban Health institute - to Professor R.J. Hay, Dean Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Queen's University Belfast

July 24, 2002 - "I am writing to express my support for the work that you are doing in connection with the student exchange programme for medical students.. Your programme is of particular importance because it will help to bridge a sectarian divide which, alas, seems to be as wide as ever in Northern Ireland. It will also help to cement relations with the people of the United States and give some American students from less privileged backgrounds the opportunity to experience life in another country. In addition, it will further the cause of medicine and health care. This is a fine set of objectives and I am very pleased that you are making real progress in getting the required funding."
--Professor Bob Rowthorn, Chairman, Faculty of Economics and Politics, University of Cambridge

July 25, 2002 - "We would be very interested in helping to take this forward, in the first place through studentships. It would also be possible to enter into a deeper discussion over extending this into research collaboration after we have defined objectives more specifically. I hope that it will be possible to meet with Muiris Fitzgerald and Derry Shanley soon so that we can discuss this, amongst other matters It would be an excellent idea to see how this could be developed further as a collaborative venture, and once again start by defining some achievable goals."
--Professor Rod Hay, Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen's University Belfast

July 19, 2002 - "We have studied this data, and the information on the FWB website, with interest. The mandate set out in these documents is a laudable one, and you and your team are to be congratulated for your efforts..a focused partnership in the area of our core educational activity, such as the exchange program for medical students with Johns Hopkins University is very well worthwhile exploring."
--Professor Muiris FitzGerald, Dean of Medicine University College Dublin

July 9, 2002 - "Thank you for your fax concerning links with Trinity's Faculty of Health Sciences. Congratulations on what you have achieved. I would like to include Professor Tom O'Dowd of Community and General Practice who is very dedicated to the ideals you articulate in your letter."
--Professor Diarmud Shanley, Dean of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin

April 17, 2002 - "I would like to thank you for the information on the valuable work being carried out by Friendships Without Borders in encouraging cooperation between Ireland and the US in the healthcare area. I wish your organization every success"
--Mary Harney TD, Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ireland

Feb. 11, 2002 - "Dr Mac Allister has informed me of your interest in the exchange program for the U.S. undergraduate (ie, college) and medical students that we have proposed between Baltimore and Belfast. Niall also let me know that you would be promoting the program to the General Practice Faculty."
--Professor Jordan Warnick, U.Md., to Dr. Kieran McGlade, Director Private Practice, Queen's University Medicine

Oct. 04, 2001 - "Thank you for keeping me updated on your good work with Friendships Without Borders. I congratulate you on the progress with the student exchange program."
--Former President Bill Clinton

Sept. 18, 2001 - "Greetings Bob and Jack: Happy that I was able to meet with both of you, earlier, and to thank you both for your efforts to accommodate the offers of a student exchange program with Baltimore's University of Maryland, NIH and Johns Hopkins Medical School through the MIRT, Fogarty grant system. On my return to Baltimore we will convey your overall enthusiasm and interest in this unique opportunity - further details to be worked out at a later time.

As Jordan and I explained, this student exchange program is unique in including student 'minority groups' from the US, from the University of Maryland, from NIH and JHMI - the MIRT, Fogarty agenda. This, consistent with similar NI and UK, PAFT and TSN requirements - offering equal opportunity for all from Baltimore to Belfast. The resources available indicated in Jordan Warnick's offer, with an economic potential for millions - as in their program implemented in Beijing, China, is truly an international opportunity in a world in conflict.

Through the agency of Friendships Without Borders, Inc. (FWB) we will continue to recruit participation and support. We have initiated further discussions in the US with the NIIDB and pharmaceutical companies, where we might both recruit sponsors and implement increased inward investment opportunities. All in keeping with FWB's goals for socioeconomic reempowerment of NI communities, development of the community health care team, as outlined in our previous correspondence - Community Health Care International, Summary IV, and Preliminary Outline - and open to further suggestion.

We have kept members and supporters of FWB informed of progress in Ireland and the US. Among those, Michael Smyth, Economist of Ulster University, John Bradley Economist of ESRI, advisor to the Irish government and Stormont - Bob Rowthorn, Amartya Sen, Cambridge - Etta Campbell, NI Health Office - also Paul McCormack, Conor Patterson of the Cross Border economic initiatives in Ireland. Also at this time, Professor Felix Schmidt, of Ulster University, in Oceanography, who has produced a strategy for increasing trade between Irish Ports and Baltimore - all with a view to enhancing our ultimate goals in community development and health care - following Amartya Sen's prerequisites for optimal community enablement. Further update is being sent to our consistent supporters in the US, former President Clinton and Maryland's Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and the Baltimore Mayor's office. We feel it is important for all of us to retain their interest and input.

At this point may we suggest that an enthusiastic invitation from Queen's to Professor Jordan Warnick of University of Md, a Director of the MIRT Programs - keen to move ahead, might be appropriate in response to his enthusiastic embrace of this unusual opportunity for both medical teaching institutions of international reputation. The advantage for all now, is for direct exchange of ideas in structuring the student exchange concept and potential post graduate education opportunities.

I would like to express the gratitude of FWB, Inc. for your assistance, Bob and Jack, in enabling us to present and promote this student program, a shared opportunity for peoples everywhere, even more appropriate in these times of further conflict and human tragedy."
--Niall P. Mac Allister, MD FWB Inc., US and Ireland

Sept. 13, 2001 - "I note with interest your correspondence in relation to current developments within FWB and in particular your efforts to enhance local economic prospects.... would like to wish you success..."
--Sir Reg Empey, NI Dept. Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Sept. 2001 - "Niall Mac Allister of Friendships Without Borders has been kind enough to pass along to me a copy of the study. Being involved with much trade between the Port of Baltimore and major Ports in the U.K. and Northern Europe, I found the study extremely interesting - welcome the opportunity of discussing our potential partnership linking Baltimore and Dublin with direct Container Service."
--Mark Johnson Port of Baltimore to Jimmy Carolan, Director Dublin Port, re Professor Schmidt's plans to increase trade from US to Irish Ports

Aug. 6, 2001 - "It was a pleasure to meet with you and Captain James McCarton in Newcastle to discuss a Direct calling Container Line Service between Ireland - USA and the enthusiasm shown in Baltimore for this study."
--Felix Schmidt, Professor of Oceanography, Ulster University, purpose to increase trade from US to Irish Ports

July 3, 2001 - "I am writing on behalf of the Queen's Medical School to say that we would be very pleased to participate in a programme such as this..... I hope very much that we can build formal links in the way Niall has suggested and look forward to developing this programme further."
--Professor Bob Stout, Queen's University Belfast, NI, to Professor Warnick and to Professor Bob Lawrence

May 15, 2001 - "I wish to indicate my warm support for your efforts to address the health disparities among population groups in Baltimore, Maryland and in Belfast, Northern Ireland. These disparities arise in large measure from the underlying social and economic disparities within communities that have been marginalized by racism and/or sectarian discrimination. I would welcome the opportunities for collaboration between Friendships Without Borders Inc, and the community outreach activities of the Office of Professional Education and Programs at the Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of public Health."
--Professor Bob Lawrence, Johns Hopkins Public Health

May 10, 2001 - " I would like to express my sincere interest in working with FWB and Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland. In particular my interests are in establishing a research site within the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Queen's University supported by the MIRT grant from the Fogarty Grant International Center at National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland."
--Professor Jordan Warnick, University of Maryland

June 29, 2000 - "would like to develop a working relationship with economic development agencies in the Baltimore area... would like to extend an invitation to a delegation of business people from Baltimore and Maryland... this leading to a reciprocal visit. It would lend great support if Mayor O'Malley were able to lead the delegation himself. I intend to pass on a copy of this letter and an invitation to the small to medium business sector via Mayor O'Malley's office..."
--Michael Durkin Newry Mourne Enterprise Agency

Oct. 15, 2000 - "Your focus on the economic dimension of the peace process is especially timely, as prospects for increased trade and investment benefit from and reinforce progress in implementing the Good Friday Accord....your work in establishing people-to-people contacts that build trust across the community and across the border is vital to securing a lasting peace."
--President William Jefferson Clinton

June 29,2000 - "It is always good to hear from you and learn more about Friendships Without Borders and the wonderful work you are doing both domestically and abroad."
--Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Lt.Governor, Maryland

June, 2000 - "On behalf of my colleague, Mr. Ronan Dennedy, Chief Executive of Louth County Enterprise Board and myself, I wish to endorse the work carried out by Dr. Niall Mac Allister and the Friendships Without Borders organisation. We have for a number of years been working together on Cross Border activities in an effort to increase the economic viability of an otherwise deprived area and understand the continuing difficulties Dr. Mac Allister and his group must face. We look forward to assisting him in any way that we possibly can through our own organisations in his efforts."
--Conor Patterson, Chief Exeutive, Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency, Northern Ireland

March 7, 2000 - "The proposal to institute an All-Ireland Trade Fair to coincide with the arrival of the replica famine ship seems to me to catch the moment. The separate developments of the two economies on the island of Ireland has been variously described as tragic (from a nationalist point of view) and entirely appropriate (from the Unionist point of view). A generation ago, economic welfare in Northern Ireland was much higher than in the Republic of Ireland. Events, particularly over the last 12 years, have transformed the situation into one of role reversal, exceeding Italy, Belgium, France and Germany in terms of income per head.

...Today with the Belfast Agreement and the Strand 2 institutions in place (North-South bodies) opportunities exist to formalise economic co-operation between the two jurisdictions. The new North-South Trade Body, based in Newry, is anxious to begin the obvious early opportunities for the new body to foster better trading relationships, the suggested All Ireland Trade Fair could be an almost ideal vehicle for the joint merchandising of both regions.

Those who argue that the two economics of Ireland are too different from one another to facilitate much trade and commerce are clearly ignorant of the law of comparative advantage. In addition, across a wide range of public policy issues and provision, there exists scope to achieve efficiency gains, improved services and higher levels of economic welfare for both jurisdictions.

...These public policy issues will no doubt be addressed in time. Business to business co-operation needs to happen now. With public opinion in the United States still in support of the peace process and in the consolidation of the peace dividend in Northern Ireland, now is an excellent time to plan and develop ambitious North-South projects."
--Michael Smyth, Professor of Economics, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland

August 22, 2000 - "We are certainly interested in any proposals or projects which will help promote trade between Ireland and the USA... We would view any efforts to increase our trade with the US very positively and wish you well in your efforts in this regard."
--Jimmy Carolan, Dublin Port Company, Dublin, Ireland

June 29, 2000 - "We enjoyed meeting with you recently and hearing about your work through Friendships Without Borders. We were especially gratified to hear your conviction that empowerment for people comes mainly through economic development."
--Michael Durkin, Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency, Northern Ireland

June 15, 2000 - "The work of your organization is quite admirable."
--Steven Thompson, CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine, International

October 18, 2000 - "Thank you for coming to see me and for the interest which you showed in health care in Northern Ireland. We recognise the need to take account of best practice elsewhere in the development of our services. The possibility of links with Johns Hopkins is an interesting proposal and one which we will keep in mind."
--Henrietta Campbell, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Belfast, Northern Ireland

September 26, 2000 - "We would be interested in exploring possible links with John Hopkins Medical School..."
--Robert Stout, Dean of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland

September 11, 2000 - "The Donard Commissioning Group would be extremely interested in linking with the Johns Hopkins University to explore potential methods of improving our ability to function as a Health and Social care Commissioning organisation."
--Micheal Crilly, Executive Officer, Donard Commissioning Group, Northern Ireland

"I am most encouraged by the progress that is being made under your leadership by Friendships Without Borders... "
--Professor Amartya Sen of Harvard and Cambridge, 1998

"This institute is happy to support this project in achieving its objectives... I would reiterate our commitment to assist you in the way we assist IDA industrial itineraries with any inward investment opportunities..."
--Dennis Murphy, Acting Director Dundalk Inst. of Technology, 1999

"Your idea of promoting school exchanges between Ireland and Britain is indeed admirable. I am sure will get support from both British and Irish governments and indeed from many independent charitable organizations ...your proposal would definitely structure a more cohesive, comprehensive and shared productive approach."
--Joe Hendron M.P. - 1997 - Minister in new Northern Ireland government

"Appreciated learning of your further work on 'Friendships Without Borders'...your commendable initiative, which seeks to contribute significantly to peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, merits our continuing interest and the broad support it is receiving in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Your emphasis on increasing community interchange and affirming individual and family responsibility reflects universal values and a commitment to a civil society. In this way, we can all work together to transform a written agreement into a lasting peace. I continue to wish you success as your project develops, and hope it will serve as an example to other troubled regions."
--President Bill Clinton Washington D.C., 1998

"Your organization is doing a great deal for those in need in Northern Ireland"
--Bernadine Healy, MD - President and Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross - 1999

"Your initiative to develop conflict resolution skills among the young people of Ireland is admirable. More specifically, the plan includes the elements of cross-community contact and improved economic opportunities for all the people on the island which would reinforce the spirit of resolution and harmony necessary for peace. I welcome your efforts as a necessary contribution to assuring peace returns to Northern Ireland"
--Jean Kennedy Smith, Ambassador to Ireland - 1998

"Friendships Without Borders - this initiative promotes a unique and promising way to developing relationships between young people from the United States and Ireland. It is my pleasure to write in support of this excellent program to help bridge the gap between these and other countries... the goal to bring together students from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds to address issues they are facing today and develop solutions for the future. I truly value all your efforts in this area. Your hard work, dedication, commitment to the young people of the world is greatly appreciated. It is great you have been receiving such tremendous support from many leaders and organizations ..best wishes for continued success..."
--Kathleen K. Townsend - Lt. Governor Maryland - 1998

"I want you to know that I have taken the liberty of bringing your project to the attention of the United States Agency for International Development... commend you for your efforts to address social conflicts around the world and in Northern Ireland... best regards."
--Paul Sarbanes U.S Senator - 1998

"I wholeheartedly endorse this project... embodies core concepts of voluntarism and civic involvement that are critical to the future of our community. In addition encourages voluntarism by young people... a worthy project that encompasses important goals and principles... I endorse the community development Youth Corps that you have conceived... also encouraged that this project will be international in focus."
--Robert Ehrlich - Member of Congress - 1998

"Am very interested in your proposal and delighted to support it in whatever way I can. 'Friendships Without Borders' is an excellent banner under which to develop your project and I hope to be in a position to discuss it with you in the not too distant future."
--John Bruton - Irish Taoiseach - 1997

"It is innovative and stimulating to see such work taking place in areas that will promote contact between young people on both sides of the border. You have put together an impressive team and the details of the proposed curriculum look highly attractive as well as catering for the regular educational needs of children of that age... I have ensured that the International Fund for Ireland are aware of my positive assessment... also passed the proposal to the Peace and Reconciliation Program to see if they would be able to assist..."
--Dermot Gallagher - Irish Dept. of Foreign Affairs - Secretary Anglo-Irish Div. Former Irish Ambassador to U.S. - 1998

"Dundalk and Castlewellan represent ideal locations for a pilot phase of the Media Image 2000 project (Media i.e. Newspaper and Film expression for young people) - "We were impressed with the quality of the newspaper which represents a good role model for us here in Dundalk. I believe we can match and complement each other in providing self-supporting skills and ultimately employment in these designated fields."
--Eileen Murphy - Head of Section of Applied Cultural Studies - 1998

"We would be delighted to be associated with your project... I am sending information to Jack O'Herlihy, Director of Development Letterkenny Inst. of Technology... our local cross-border partner institution... I am sure will be interested in hearing more about your project."
--Tony Johnston - Senior Lecturer School of Business and Management - University of Ulster, Magee College - 1999

"Very pleased to review FWB's plan - goals and priorities - its present and future agenda... closely fits many of our own aspirations and the path to achieve them. We are happy to join your program in a working partnership. We include a note of enthusiastic endorsement and look forward to working together. Essentially economic re-empowerment for the whole island - especially in the rural areas north and south - east and west... also happy to note your warm welcome for our ideas and participation with that of other involved schools and communities - FWB's 'on site' team for the whole island - focus of all our concern for present and future generations - the resolution of the problems we all face together - confident that we can make a difference."
--Jack O'Herlihy - Head of Development - Letterkenny Inst. of Technology - 1999

"You have demonstrated an extraordinary amount of energy and commitment to make a success of the project. The Embassy deeply appreciates your efforts to keep us informed how the project is developing and we will in turn ensure that Dublin is kept in the loop..."
--Kenneth Thompson - Counsellor Embassy of Ireland Washington D.C - 1999