President Joe Biden recently visited Ireland and while most of the attention was focused on his political meetings and engagements, one particular story caught the attention of the media. Joe Biden’s cousin in Knockmore, Foxford, Co. Mayo, Ireland had booked a hair appointment that she wasn’t willing to reschedule, even when offered a seat on Air Force One to bring her to Dublin to meet her cousin. The hair appointment was prioritized over a chance to meet the US President.
Although this may seem like a humorous anecdote, it actually reflects the type of regular day-to-day events that are a part of life that many individuals would identify with. The story underscores the importance of personal priorities, with Biden’s cousin feeling that her previous commitment was more important than the opportunity to meet one of the most powerful individuals in the world.
Aside from this amusing story, there were several other notable takeaways from President Biden’s visit to Ireland. One of these was the significance of his Irish heritage, which he has spoken about frequently. Biden emphasized his pride in his Irish roots during his visit, stating that he’s “proud to be Irish” and remarking that the country has helped shaped him into the person he is today.
Another interesting point of discussion during Biden’s visit was the issue of abortion. As a pro-choice politician, Biden has been vocal about his support for abortion rights in the United States. However, Fintan O’Toole, an Irish Times columnist, notes that he has been quieter about the issue during his visit to Ireland, even though it’s a significant topic in the country’s political landscape. O’Toole argues that while Biden’s commitment to pro-choice policies is clear, his decision to not discuss this issue during his visit is an attempt to avoid controversy and maintain a positive relationship with the Irish government.
In addition to these personal and political observations, there’s been some discussion about how well-received Biden’s visit was among the general public. A poll conducted by TheJournal.ie found that nearly 60% of respondents chose the option that they didn’t watch much of Biden’s visit, suggesting that the visit may not have resonated strongly with the Irish public. However, it’s impossible to say for sure how the wider population felt about the visit or its significance for Irish-American relations.
All in all, President Biden’s trip to Ireland was a notable event in both the US and Irish political landscapes. From personal anecdotes about hair appointments to discussions about major policy issues, there was a lot of ground covered during his visit. Whether it will have a lasting impact on the relationship between the two countries remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Biden’s Irish heritage will continue to be an important part of his political identity.
