WASHINGTON, D.C. (CU)_US President Joe Biden participated in the St. Patrick’s day celebrations at the White House on Thursday. Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, spoke with the American leader virtually, during which President Biden directly addressed the ongoing negotiations regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol and the political instability in the region.
Speaking with PM Martin, President Biden commented on the relations between the United States and Ireland. “Our nations both are deeply committed to protecting the hard-won gains of peace in Northern Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement has been the foundation of peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland for nearly 25 years,” he said. “It cannot change.”
The American leader went on to reveal that he had shared similar views with his “friend” Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the UK. He added that parties must remain committed to resolve challenges over the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. “The United States stands ready to work with all the communities of Northern Ireland to ensure its extraordinary economic potential and ensure that it’s realised, and we look forward to supporting the next Northern Ireland Executive after the upcoming Assembly elections, which are on their way,” he said.
President Biden, who identified deeply with his own Irish heritage, also commented on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as he praised Irish leadership on the matter which has been “noticeable and impressive”. “What Ireland is doing now, what you are doing, taking in Ukrainian refugees, speak so loudly about your principles,” he said. “And it’s amazing and I want to publicly compliment you for it.”
Other subjects of discussion between the pair included the economy and Brexit. Following the meeting, the Irish leader spoke to the media virtually, expressing his disappointment over being unable to meet with President Biden face-to-face. “I feel good. Of course, I’m disappointed personally but it’s not the end of the world… I have to keep things in perspective – that is important in the context of what is happening across the world today,” he said. “I don’t believe the meeting was in any way impaired as a result of this. It was a very warm meeting and it went on longer than anticipated by officials on both sides.”
