The United States’ President-elect Joe Biden has recently declared his intention to visit Northern Ireland during his presidency, despite the MI5 raising the threat level for terrorism in the region. Biden, who has Irish roots, has always shown a keen interest in Northern Ireland and has been a staunch supporter of the Good Friday Agreement. He has expressed his determination to maintain good relations with the UK and Ireland and to support the peace process in Northern Ireland. The decision to visit the region has been met with mixed reactions, with some welcoming the move, while others fear it could further fuel tensions in the volatile region. In this article, we will delve deeper into the story, analyzing the potential impact of Biden’s visit on Northern Ireland’s political landscape.
US President Joe Biden’s plans to visit Northern Ireland to mark the Belfast Agreement’s 25th anniversary next month will not be affected by the increase in terror threat level in the region. The UK’s MI5 recently raised its threat level from “substantial” to “severe,” indicating an attack is highly likely. The move has been attributed to Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, who cited a “small number” of individuals who remain determined to use “politically motivated violence.” However, White House spokeswoman Olivia Dalton downplayed the change, stating it would not impact travel plans.
During the discussion on the issue, Mr. Biden’s response to being asked by reporters whether the heightened terror threat would keep him from visiting Northern Ireland was: “No, they can’t keep me out.” While precise dates for Mr. Biden’s trip to Northern Ireland have not yet been finalized, the US President is scheduled to visit both the Republic and Northern Ireland next month to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement.
In raising the terror threat level, MI5 acknowledged an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland-related terrorism in recent months, which has targeted police officers serving their communities, and put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public.
Despite the increase in the threat level, Northern Ireland remains a transformed state since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. The agreement is an example of how peaceful and democratic politics improve society by ensuring minority rights, promoting equality, and providing the capacity to address issues democratically.
Nevertheless, the authorities have warned that a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to Northern Ireland’s communities through acts of politically motivated violence. Last month, the attempted murder of DCI Caldwell, a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer, drew sharp reactions as a human rights violation. In the attack, the officer was shot in the arm while on duty, while the police have launched an investigation.
While the latest move by MI5 to raise the terror threat level may be concerning, Mr. Biden’s travel plans remain unaffected. Northern Ireland has transformed into a peaceful society, a reflection of the transformative power of peaceful and democratic politics, such as the Belfast Agreement. However, the Northern Ireland authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as they tackle the remaining challenges posed by politically motivated violence.
