The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘Trump’s rise was like that of Healy Raes - people are sick of the elites’
Kerry native in San Fran appeals for calm on result of US election
AS it became clear that Donald Trump had confounded both polls and the opinions of political ‘experts,’ the United States and the wider world was whipped into frenzy. The result rattled his detractors, energized his supporters, and got just about everyone talking.
Even in Kerry, the US Election replaced the weather, and even football as the focus of most conversations. But what of the thousands of Kerry men and women living in the States?
Brian Sheehy left his native Annascaul in the 1990s for San Francisco. Since then, his cocktail bar ‘Bourbon and Branch’ has established itself as one of the best spots for a night out in ‘The City by the Bay.’ In 2011, it was even named as one of America’s top ten bars by Esquire magazine.
Speaking to The Kerryman, Brian admits the mood in the famously liberal city has been downbeat following the election result.
“Even up until the counting of the ballots, I had not met one person in San Francisco expecting Trump to win the election,” he said
“San Francisco is probably seen as the most liberal, progressive, and stridently Democratic place in the US; the day after the election, it felt like the city was in mourning.
“But since the election, I’ve not changed my routine a bit. I’m managing my business, enjoying time with family and friends, and I’m looking forward to being home in Kerry again for Christmas. Life goes on!”
Given that he runs such a successful business, it’s no surprise Brian had to get on with things quickly, but he has given a bit of thought to the future.
“We have 200 employees with bills to pay and families to feed. We need a growing economy to keep our bars and stores busy, and our people employed,” he said.
“Trump’s proposed tax cuts would benefit my business. On the downside, imported spirits such as Irish whiskey may become much more expensive if a trade war breaks out. Not a good prospect, as we’re dying to sell some Dingle Whiskey!
More than one Kerry person has struggled to get their head around the result; some simply cannot fathom how someone could contemplate backing Trump.
But Brian went to some effort to explain what contributed to last week’s result, and feels similarities can be found with the Irish scene.
“The majority of Americans are tired of political gridlock; they are still suffering from the misery of the 2008 crash. The economy has improved, but living costs for the average citizen have increased dramatically and workers’ pay have remained stagnant,” he explained.
“Trump is not considered beholden to the establishment. People in Kerry could compare it to what happened in Ireland last year with the rise in support for the independents and Sinn Féin.”
Brian admits these are uncertain times for Kerry people in the US. For most, he thinks it should be business as usual.
“But depending on the person’s age and how long they have been in the US, then there may be real concerns about not having saved enough for retirement and health care costs,” he said
“For younger Kerry people, the next few years will be entertaining, exciting, historic, sometimes excruciating, and if Trump has his way, maybe even terrific!”
Trump promised prior to the vote that he would deport millions if elected, and the estimated 50,000 undocumented Irish in the States must be a little fearful, but Brian expressed confidence in the Kerry network: “If there are Kerry people in our community facing immigration challenges, they know they can count on this community to support, assist and advocate for them at the highest levels, regardless of any future changes in Federal Immigration Law,” Brian explained.
“It’s a special bond among Kerry people when they are away from the Kingdom. We know how to take care of our own. This support has been going on for generations of Kerry people in the US. It is our responsibility to continue this tradition of support and use our connections to help out when called upon.”