The shift in tone and mood was unmistakable as US President Joe Biden began a three-day visit to the Republic of Ireland, having spent a short time in Northern Ireland.
Baseball cap on, out of an armoured limo and into a pub. “It feels like I’m coming home,” Biden said in Dundalk, County Louth.
The tightrope of Northern Ireland politics negotiated, last night was time to unwind a little.
His sister and son in tow, this isn’t conventional diplomacy – or even diplomacy at all. It’s a return to a family’s roots and sense of belonging.
With 30 million Americans claiming Irish ancestry, it comes with a hoped-for political dividend too, the year before a presidential election. And what a contrast with what came before in Belfast.
The prospect of this presidential visit to Northern Ireland has been talked about for months, but lasted only hours. While there is no such thing as a low key public trip for an American president, this felt like it came close.
It was quick. It was short. Even Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s involvement was minimal. He wasn’t at the president’s single public appearance – a decision which, privately, raised some eyebrows in government.
Source – BBC News
Share your thoughts