DUBLIN, Ireland -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton took time out of a five-day tour of Europe and Russia to raise a glass with Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, the U.S. ambassador to Ireland.
On arriving in Dublin for a brief stop before heading for Belfast, Northern Ireland, Clinton met Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen and urged communities in Ireland and Northern Ireland to follow through on the peace process.
There's a deadlock between Northern Ireland's rival Catholic and Protestant leaders over transferring responsibility for Northern Ireland's justice system from British to local hands.
On her way out of Dublin, Clinton stopped at Bewley's cafe for a coffee to go, drawing large crowds on Grafton Street, and took a few sips before ordering a half pint of Harp lager at McDaids, a nearby pub. She was accompanied by Rooney.
Late Sunday night, Clinton arrived in Belfast, where she met Monday with Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
Slideshow - Photos Of Clinton's Visit To Dublin And BelfastClinton also addressed the Northern Ireland assembly and said she would provide lawmakers with "as much encouragement and support as I can."
With Irish Catholics to her left and British Protestants to her right, Clinton told the assembly that they should take the next critical step in cooperation and run the police and justice system together. Protestants are blocking her suggestion.
"I'm here today to send a strong message that the Obama administration and the United States are committed to supporting you as you continue your journey," Clinton said.
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