End of the odious Trump era should be seen as a new beginning for all

THIS week sees a moment that millions across the world will have been greatly looking forward to, Donald Trump’s long awaited departure from the Oval Office. After what has been a long and frequently dispiriting four years, the United States and the world can breathe a sigh of relief as the worst US President in history is finally evicted from the White House.

After the truly shocking events of recent weeks – which saw Trump and his odious cronies try to instigate a coup to keep their hands on the reins of power – Joe Biden’s inauguration comes not a moment too soon.

Once again the United States can resume its role as a vital – if not always wanted – leader on the world stage.

The ‘most powerful nation on Earth’ can once again hold its head high and the rest of the world can look forward to a degree of stability in a time of unprecedented crisis, uncertainty and fear.

With a childish, selfish, egotistical maniac at the helm in Washington, the global effort to battle Covid-19 has suffered and there can be little doubt that the global situation will be much improved with a level head behind the Resolute desk.

With the inevitable and widely predicated fallout from Brexit beginning to manifest itself, Ireland also finds itself with a powerful new ally in Joe Biden whose love for and keen interest in Ireland will be crucially important as we negotiate the next phase of the Brexit crisis.

Mr Biden’s influence has already proved crucial in stopping Boris Johnson and his callous Brexiteer cadre from ripping up the Good Friday agreement.

His support will likely prove decisive in many more political dogfights as Ireland, the UK and Europe iron out the finer details of their new fractious relationship. For the tens of thousands of undocumented Irish living in the United States, President Biden’s inauguration should also be welcome news.

The complex and politically contentious nature of the immigration issue in the US means their status and predicament still might not be resolved but no President since Kennedy – even Bill Clinton – has displayed such a personal affinity for Ireland and the Irish and that can only be a good thing for our undocumented family, friends and loved ones.

With little sign that the pandemic crisis will end any time soon – even with a vaccine we face many more months of restrictions – the inauguration in Washington provides reason for a little hope and positivity.

Amid the Covid crisis and fear of more violence and unrest around the US Capitol building, this inauguration will be on a much smaller scale than those we are used to seeing.

Even so, it is still a momentous occasion not just for the US but for the world, representing a return to a more normal, more hopeful and less hateful brand of politics and democracy.

Four years after we watched, in horror, as Trump got his hands on the White House, it’s a tremendous relief to witness the end of his despicable era.