President Joe Biden on Thursday, April 13, 2023, met with Ireland’s top leaders, speaking of shared values between the two nations and the opportunities ahead, while praising the nation for its humanitarian work welcoming Ukrainian refugees.
“I think our values are the same,” Biden said during a sit-down with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Prime Minister. “And I think our concerns are the same. So I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with you,” Biden added
Ireland has welcomed nearly 80,000 refugees from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, and it has been supportive of U.S-led efforts there. Biden divulged that he was impressed by Ireland’s commitment. “I know it’s not easy,” he said of accepting so many people into the country. “I just think it feels so good to be able to have this . . . stronger relationship between the United States and Ireland,” he added.
Also, the Taoiseach stated that he appreciated the U.S President’s leadership, particularly on Ukraine.
“I never thought in my lifetime that we’d see a war of this nature happen in Europe again and democracy and liberty and all the things that we believe in are on retreat in large parts of the world. If it wasn’t for American leadership, and if it wasn’t for America and Europe working together, I don’t know what kind of world we’d live in.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar
In his first stop of the day, Biden met with Irish President, Michael D. Higgins at his grand Dublin residence. The two octogenarian leaders clasped hands and laughed as they walked the red carpet inside, where Biden signed the guest book with “As the Irish saying goes, your feet will bring you where your heart is. It’s an honor to return.”
Biden then shoveled dirt around a freshly planted Irish oak, not far from one planted years earlier by then-President Barack Obama.
He also rang the Peace Bell, unveiled in 2008 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Biden clanged the bell four times, including one “for all my Irish ancestors, and a fourth one for peace.”
“I’m feeling great, and I’m learning a lot. I know it sounds silly, but there’s many Irish-Americans, like my relatives, who’ve never come back here,” Biden said.
He also watched a youth Gaelic sports demonstration on the back lawn of Farmleigh House where he had met with the Taoiseach, an official Irish guest house once owned by the Guinness family.
Biden Addresses Irish Parliament
Ceann Comhairle (House Speaker) Seán Ó Fearghaíl spoke ahead of Biden’s speech to Ireland’s parliament. “It is a very proud and historic day for us all,” Ó Fearghaíl said, adding that it was an honour to have Biden address the joint sitting of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Biden is the fourth U.S President to address the Irish parliament. The first was John F Kennedy in June 1963, nearly 60 years ago.
In his speech, the U.S President noted that the journey of his family and others who left Ireland is “emblematic” of many Irish and American families.
“These stories are the very heart of what binds Ireland America together. They speak to a history defined by our dreams. They speak to a future poised for unlimited shared possibilities.”
President Joe Biden
Biden informed the House that Ireland and the U.S are standing together to oppose Russia’s “brutal aggression” in Ukraine. Biden lauded the support and aid Ireland has provided to Ukraine. He disclosed that he has known Putin for over 25 years, and Putin thought the world would look the other way when he invaded his neighbour.
“But he was wrong on every point. Today, we’re more united and more determined than ever to defend the values that make us strong. We want to hold Russia accountable for actions.”
President Joe Biden
Also, Biden stressed the importance of peace in Northern Ireland. He declared that peace is “precious”, and needs its champions. The 1998 Good Friday peace deal signed in Belfast changed lives for the better in Northern Ireland and the Republic, he noted. “Political violence must never again be allowed to take hold on this island,” Biden iterated.
Biden says that the United States will remain Ireland’s “closest partner” and “most enthusiastic supporter”.
“We’ve always been and we’re going to continue to grow our enormous economic relationship as a foundation for both our nation’s prosperity. Together, Ireland and the United States are building a future of greater economic dignity. One where rights of workers are respected, and corporations pay their fair share.”
President Joe Biden
Biden told the House that “no matter what party we belong to, our values are the same”. It’s about honesty, dignity and justice, he averred.
“You all have every ingredient to make it work. It’s an honour to be here, thank you very much,” Biden concluded.
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