In exciting news for the Irish community, former US president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton are set to visit Ireland next month, along with current US President Joe Biden. The news was revealed by Ireland’s Taoiseach (prime minister), who made the announcement during his recent visit to the United States. This visit by the influential trio is expected to be an important moment for Ireland, with the focus on strengthening US relations and highlighting the strong cultural ties between the two countries. Read on to learn more about what we can expect during the Clinton-Biden visit to Ireland.
Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary are scheduled to visit Ireland next month, along with President Biden. This was revealed by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who expressed his gratitude to Biden and his administration for their support during the Brexit process. Varadkar also extended his appreciation for America’s support of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The Taoiseach highlighted the economic relationship between Ireland and America, which he said was growing stronger by the day. He acknowledged that Ireland is now the ninth-largest investor in America and expressed his concerns about the Inflation Reduction Act. He did not want Europe, America or Ireland to engage in a subsidies race at the expense of taxpayers. Instead, he suggested that they should work together on the development of green industries and climate action.
At an American Ireland funds dinner in Washington, Senator Chuck Schumer made a faux pas by referring to Ireland as a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Although the Senator went on to praise Ireland’s moral leadership on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, his mistake garnered some attention.
Schumer apologized for his error and then made light of it by saying that “the Irish know a thing or two about unwelcome invaders.” He even made a humorous suggestion that sending the Irish rugby team to Ukraine might help solve the conflict in a week.
The gala dinner was attended by distinguished guests, including former Congressman Brian Donnelly, who died recently. The Taoiseach praised Donnelly for his role in the Irish visa program that enabled emigrants from Ireland to live and work in the US.
Leo Varadkar also used the occasion to remind the audience of his presence in the US in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic began. He announced a national lockdown from the steps of Blair House, which led to the cancellation of the shamrock handover ceremony.
The Taoiseach expressed his admiration for Schumer’s speech, describing him as someone he has known for years and a big fan of his. Furthermore, he praised the attendance and speech of the new US House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, whom he met for the first time at the event. Varadkar said that building good relations with both the Democratic and Republican parties is in Ireland’s interest.
However, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Robinson criticized Schumer’s speech, saying that the only thing that works in Northern Ireland is where unionists and nationalists support the outcome. He urged the Senator to read some history books to better understand the reality of the situation.
In conclusion, the visit of the Clintons and President Biden to Ireland next month is a significant event that highlights Ireland’s strong ties with the US. The Taoiseach used the occasion to express his appreciation for America’s support during the Brexit process and its stance on Ukraine. He also emphasized the need for cooperation among Europe, America, and Ireland on climate action and green industries.
