Brexit an opening for Ireland

‘Special relationship’ with United States the long-term goal

WASHINGTON — The “special relationship” between Britain and the United States has been a fixture of international politics for decades. Could Washington now also have a “special friend” in Ireland?

Daniel Mulhall, Ireland’s ambassador in Washington, thinks so. And he says it’s because of Britain’s departure from the European Union.

“Brexit is a game-changer for Ireland,” Mulhall said to The Washington Post. “We become a bridge between the European Union and the United States both for investment but also for influence.”

Those hopes even have a tangible symbol: This month, seeking to expand its diplomatic mission in Washington, the Irish government closed a deal to buy a 6,500-square-foot building once used by the Egyptian Embassy.

It’s a far cry from Britain’s gargantuan embassy compound, one of the biggest in Washington, but it’s a signal of Dublin’s intent.

Before he took up residence in Washington last year, Mulhall served as Ireland’s ambassador to Britain. He personally campaigned against Britain’s vote to leave the EU in 2016.

After voters pased Brexit, he told a reporter, he felt “sadness” that Britain’s relationship with Ireland was at risk. Now he sees Brexit as a new opportunity for Ireland — one that could rival Brexiteers’ hopes for an economic future that relies on greater trade with the United States and other nations outside of Europe.

After Brexit, British leaders have clung to the idea of an unbending AngloAmerican bond. British Prime Minister Theresa May was the first world leader to visit President Donald Trump after he took office last year. Both leaders praised the “special relationship” during that visit, with May saying it was based “on the bonds of history, of family, kinship and common interests.”

But at the same time, Britain’s position as a member of the EU was one of its key selling points.

“We are strong and active members of the European Union, the gateway to the world’s largest single market,” said May’s predecessor, David Cameron, in a 2010 speech.

Many other EU countries are now pledging to become Washington’s new “gateway to Europe.” Ireland may be a particularly attractive base for American companies: Its common-law system is similar to the American legal structure, and it is known for being one of the most business-friendly countries in the EU.

Ireland and the United States also share a common language.

“We will be the only English-speaking country left in the European Union,” Mulhall pointed out.

Outside experts agree that Ireland is well positioned to strengthen its ties to the United States.

KATHERINE FREY/WASHINGTON POST “Brexit is a game-changer for Ireland,” Daniel Mulhall, Irish ambassador to the U.S., told The Washington Post.