JOE IS ONE OF US, SAYS TAOISEACH
Martin’s praise for new President
THE Taoiseach has congratulated the new US President on his ‘immense achievement’, describing the Irish-American as ‘one of us’.
Micheál Martin said the inauguration of Joe Biden, who was sworn in yesterday, was a moment of ‘great pride’ for Ireland as well as the President’s Irish ancestors.
‘On behalf of the Government and people of Ireland, I wish to offer my heartfelt congratulations to President Joe Biden on his inauguration,’ Mr Martin said.
‘The inauguration of a new US President is a moment of hope and renewal in US political life.
‘As he takes the oath of office, I know that President Biden will feel the weight of history – the presence of his
‘A moment of hope and renewal’
Irish ancestors who left Mayo and Louth in famine times in search of life and hope.
‘He will remember their descendants’ hard struggle as they made their way in and their contribution to the United States. It is the story of Irish-America.
Mr Martin added: ‘I hope he will also be conscious of the great pride we in Ireland take in his immense achievement. He is one of us, part of our global family.’
While US relations with the European Union became strained during Donald Trump’s presidency, the Taoiseach said that Ireland could be a ‘bridge-builder’ between the two.
He added: ‘The challenges of our shared world – and the issues that Joe Biden will face as President – can only be overcome if like-minded leaders come together to tackle them.’
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney also congratulated Mr Biden, writing on Twitter: ‘Ireland takes great pride in inauguration of Joe Biden as US President.
‘We hope to welcome him to his ancestral home early in his presidency. He has always been a friend to Ireland and we look forward to working with him on strengthening Irish/US relations and much more.’
Other contentious issue for the US and Ireland include the North – which has been a source of tensions between the UK Government and Mr Biden.
While UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson could have his first meeting with the President via Zoom, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis is planning to fly out to meet Mr Biden’s team in the coming weeks.
Officials are said to be exploring options for better engagement between the US and the North – including seconding a dedicated official from the Northern Ireland Office to the UK embassy in Washington.