Status: 04/13/2023 11:35 p.m
In his speech to the Irish Parliament in Dublin, the US President emphasized the ties between the US and Ireland. Previously, Biden had rung the peace bell – a blow was meant for his Irish ancestors.
US President Joe Biden highlighted similarities between the two countries during a visit to Ireland. The connection between Ireland and the US can be explained by the history of Irish people who once emigrated to the US by ship, Biden said in a speech to the Irish Parliament.
He cited his own family history as an example. “Like so many countries in the world, but perhaps more than most, the United States was shaped by Ireland,” Biden said. Shared values are still “at the heart of the historic partnership between our people and our governments.”
He told MPs: “I’m home. I just wish I could stay longer.”
Biden recognizes admission of Ukrainians
Biden was on a four-day trip to Northern Ireland and Ireland. He was the fourth US President to address the Irish Parliament. John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton had previously done so.
Biden met Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar before his speech. He praised the reception of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. “I know it’s not easy,” Biden said, referring to the nearly 80,000 Ukrainians that the country allowed into the country after the Russian war began.
In the footsteps of his ancestors
First, Biden met Irish President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin. With a guest book entry, Biden let it be known that it was an honor for him to be back in Ireland. The US President rang the so-called Peace Bell, which was unveiled in 2008 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement for Northern Ireland. Biden rang the bell four times.
One of the four tones was for his Irish ancestors, one for peace, Biden said. On Friday, Biden will visit another area of his ancestry, County Mayo on Ireland’s west coast.