British and unionist criticism of Joe Biden’s “Irish nationalism” is unfair, the Tánaiste has insisted.
The US President has proudly emphasised his Irish heritage during his trip to the island, describing the visit like “coming home”.
Some British politicians and members of the UK Press have criticised President Biden’s attitude during his visit.
Former First Minister Arlene Foster went as far as saying the US President Biden “hates the UK” while a former aide to Margaret Thatcher criticised the president for not attending King Charles’ upcoming coronation.
Tánaiste Micháel Martin told Newstalk Breakfast he was surprised by this commentary.
“Everybody knew President Biden was going to come to Ireland,” he said. “I think it's fitting and appropriate in the context of 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.”
“The president has invested a lot of his own time and political career in terms of peace in Northern Ireland, and he's a well-rounded, balanced political leader, who has worked with all governments.”
Mr Martin said that DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson agreed that President Biden’s speech in Belfast was “balanced”.
Strong economic relationship
Mr Martin described President Biden’s trip as a “significant visit” to mark 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed and to continue promoting the “strong economic relationship” between Ireland and the US.
“There's no question that the American intervention is essential,” he said. “There has been an evolution of American policy towards Ireland and towards the situation in Northern Ireland.”
Mr Martin said we often “underestimate” how much the US President and congressional representatives value peace and development on the island of Ireland.
Biden’s affection for Ireland
The Tánaiste said President Biden’s connection to Ireland is “heartfelt”.
“You get that sense that that Irish experience, that his family's experience of immigration, matters to him," he said.
"Tá mé seo abhaile - I'm at home." US President Joe Biden delivered a few words 'as Gaeilge' as he addressed Dáil Éireann. pic.twitter.com/xqQMgOEKzq
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) April 13, 2023
Mr Martin said President Biden is a “personable” individual.
He recalled that the US president rang him personally after Ireland beat the New Zealand All Blacks in the Aviva Stadium in November 2021.
Mr Martin said he was “taken aback” by the call but said that it “reflects Biden’s relationship with Ireland”.
The Tánaiste said that the US president also wanted to express pride in Irish player Rob Kearney, who is Mr Biden’s fifth cousin.
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