West wing of Biden family watch on TV
WALL GOOD Cllr Mark Duffy in Ballina
THE West wing of President Biden’s Irish family were celebrating last night as he was sworn into office.
Joe Blewitt, a third cousin of Mr Biden, watched the emotional inauguration speech with his dad Brendan, wife Deirdre, sister Laurita and his three kids in Ballina, Co Mayo.
He said: “The speech was amazing It was fabulous to see him being sworn in, it was unreal. It’s a very proud day for us. You can see he’s really eager to get in and get started.”
Mr Biden’s great-great grandfather Edward Blewitt and wife Mary emigrated from Ballina more than
160 years ago.
The family settled in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where almost a century later the future presidential hopeful was born.
Mr Biden’s close friend, Fr Leo Jeremiah O’donovan lead prayers before the 78 year-old was sworn in as the 46th US President.
Joe, who noted how important the 78-year-old’s faith is to him and the new First Lady Jill, added: “We’re so happy for them and we’re just hoping everything goes to plan for them.
“He has a tough task on his hands but he has good faith and please God everything will go well for the first
100 days. That’s the hardest part.“
The 41-year-old plumber met Mr Biden in Co Mayo in 2016 and he and Laurita were guests at the White House when he was awarded the prestigious Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.
Joe, who said he believes Mr Biden is well-equipped to heal the deep division, added: “He’ll do his best to try and bring people together.”
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WEDNESDAY’S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2 Ladder, 5 Deal,
6 Amelia, 7 Slum, All, 11 Ivor, 13 Outset, 14 Rein, 15 Rubble. DOWN: 1 Tell, Llama, 3 Dali, 4 Reader, 7 Savour, 9 Litre,
10 Stab, 12 Ohio.