On 22 June, a protest was held by People Before Profit in Dublin against US President Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland. Biden arrived in Dundalk, Co Louth, for a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, marking his first visit to Europe since taking office. During his visit, Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and announced the launch of a new US$3.5 million scholarship programme, named in honour of former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon.
However, former US President Donald Trump criticised Biden’s trip, claiming that he should have stayed in the US to deal with domestic issues. Trump stated that if war breaks out, Biden should not be in Ireland. Meanwhile, in a speech in Belfast, Biden told an audience of business leaders that scores of American corporations wanted to invest in Northern Ireland, potentially creating tens of thousands of jobs.
The visit took place amid ongoing discussions about a potential trade deal between the UK and the US, with Biden having previously stated that the deal depended on the success of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Biden has also urged the British government to prioritise the peace process in Northern Ireland during Brexit negotiations.
The Irish government has had a good relationship with the US over the years, particularly during Trump’s presidency with significant levels of investment coming from the US into the country. Irish businesses and individuals have also long been able to secure investment and green cards in the US. The Irish government will likely seek to continue to strengthen its relationship with the Biden administration, particularly given his Irish ancestry.
However, for groups such as People Before Profit, there is uneasiness about closer ties with a superpower that they see as responsible for global inequality and conflict. The protesters criticised Biden’s credentials, particularly when it comes to his environmental policy, and called on him to show real leadership on climate change in the US and globally.
Overall, Biden’s visit to Ireland was a mix of diplomacy and rhetoric. The US president may be seen as a potential ally in helping to secure peace in Northern Ireland, but for those who oppose US imperialism, a closer relationship with the US threatens rather than enhances Irish sovereignty.
