Higgins highlights the Irish connection

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins has led the tributes to Joe Biden following his victory in the race for the White House.

The Democratic nominee became president-elect yesterday after winning the state of Pennsylvania, giving him the necessary 270 electoral college votes. He holds strong familial ties with Ireland, and congratulations have been coming thick and fast from politicians.

Mr Higgins said: ‘Today, I have conveyed my best wishes to President-elect Joe Biden, wishing him and the American people every good fortune for his term in office. The bonds between the peoples of Ireland and the United States are close and strong, and I look forward to our two countries working together to rebuild the much-needed trust in the methods and institutions of national and international solidarity.’

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: ‘Ireland takes pride in Joe Biden’s election, just as we are proud of all the generations of Irish women and Irish men and their ancestors whose toil and genius… enriched the diversity that powers America.’

Foreign Minister Simon Coveney posted on Twitter. ‘We look forward to working with a BidenHarris presidency to sustain & strengthen Irish American relations, and so much more.’

Irish-based Democratic Party supporters expressed their joy. ‘Not only is Joe Biden of Irish heritage, he is a statesman who will work toward finding common ground to bring Americans together,’ said Carija Ihus, chair of Democrats Abroad Ireland.