Higgins: US a true friend of Ireland...

PRESIDENT Michael D. Higgins has written to Joe Biden offering “heartfelt congratulations” and insisting the US has always been a “friend” to Ireland.

Uachtaran na heireann told the new US President there is so much positive change he can accomplish over the

coming years “and so many challenges we must all face together”.

Mr Higgins said: “There can be no greater honour than to be given the trust of one’s fellow citizens to lead. There is an Irish saying you may know, ‘Is ar scath a cheile a mhaireann na

daoine’. It means we live in each other’s shadow and in each other’s shelter.

“It reminds me we’re interdependent, we all have an effect on each other on this fragile planet we share.

“The US has been a true friend to Ireland in so many ways. Your own

friendship and support for so many years has been invaluable.

“Ireland, of course, has made its most valuable contribution to your great land by providing so many of our daughters and sons.

“The descendants of some turned

out to be rather fine presidents.” Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has said the UK will work “hand in hand” with new Mr Biden in the White House.

The Government believes Mr Biden’s inauguration marks the start of a new political era following the turbulence of

Donald Trump’s administration. The PM told reporters the new Presidency marked a “step forward” for the US after a “bumpy period”.

Mr Johnson, who had a close relationship with Mr Trump, said it was also a “big moment” for the UK’S

relationship with America. Mr Biden last year accused the PM of being a “physical and emotional clone” of Mr Trump and warned Brexit could undermine peace in the North.

No10 officials are now keen to highlight areas of common interest.