Anthony Heffernan was attending a concert in Ballina’s St Michael’s Church last Sunday, when the focus suddenly shifted from the performance to people’s mobile phones. The crowd was brought to life with reveals of breaking news – Joe Biden wouldn’t be running in the upcoming US presidential election. As the last strains of the music died down, attendees eagerly began to share updates, and a wave of surprise washed over the venue.
In 2016, Heffernan hosted a family meal for Biden, the US vice-president at that time, along with 19 of his family members and a security contingent of 70 people, featuring rooftop snipers and an armoured vehicle on standby. Reflecting on Biden’s decision, though initially shocked, Heffernan conceded that folks were already speculating about whether Biden would continue or step aside.
Heffernan’s restaurant has been a place of interest for numerous American travellers eager to visit the spot where President Biden once dined, testifying how Biden put Ballina on the map. However, he expressed a mix of empathy and regret regarding Biden’s decision, believing that Ireland lost a significant promoter. Acknowledging Biden’s fatigue under high expectations could be the reason he stepped down, he implied that the pressure of being perceived as the only obstacle to Trump might have been too substantial.
Ernie Caffrey, an ex-senator and county councillor for Fine Gael, encountered the president during his return trip to the town the previous year and offered him a brick from the hearth of the house where Biden’s great-great-great-grandfather resided till 1850 before the family moved to the US.
The 87-year-old retired public servant expressed sadness was his prevailing emotion upon hearing the news, despite feeling that it was an appropriate decision at this juncture.
“It’s a disheartening conclusion to a stellar career yet I believe he made the right choice. It would be dreadful to observe him as president yet incapable of performing his duties. I feel remorse for him and for the country. He was virtually considered as the President of Ireland.”
He remarked how things have transformed since Biden’s previous visit to Ballina. “All attempt to defy nature’s law but we can only make it so far,” he said.
A single distressed American flag from the 2023 visit fluttered on one of the town’s shops, signifying the shift in Biden’s circumstances since thousands congregated along the Moy river to greet him the previous year.
“Regrettable but inescapable” seemed to capture the sentiment of the residents in relation to his election exit.
Elizabeth Costello and Tracey Porter, two visitors from the US, were taken aback the most. “We are quite astounded,” admitted Costello. “We never thought he’d withdraw. I believe it’s a good thing. We need a younger person in charge.”
She anticipates a further escalation in the contentious political atmosphere at home, where assassination attempts and polarised politics are the norm.
“Trump is likely to be concerned about Kamala [Harris], leading to even more vicious attacks.”
Stephen Irwin from Ballina, also agreed with the US president’s decision to step down “due to his advancing age and health issues”.
“He leads the free world – it’s about time he stepped aside. Surely, his departure will be a blow for the town.”
Dorothy Hennigan, a local resident, showed empathy. “This poor man deserves a break. We should have a more youthful president.”
The 83-year-old Hugh Daly, navigating through the drenched town with his mobility scooter, is only two years senior to Biden. “It’s not shocking. Limitations come with age. He’s very pleasant, but others need opportunity too,” he remarked.
A mural honouring President Joe Biden, that was constructed in 2020, was targets of vandalism due to his take on the Gaza matter. A petition, with more than 2000 signatures, asking for its removal was circulated on the same account. However, no individual questioned by The Irish Times on Monday mentioned this, though not all held an admiring view of Biden.
“I couldn’t care less. He isn’t aware of my existence and he’s not my president,” expressed a youth.
David O’Malley, a member of the clean-up committee for the community who championed the mural initiative, described having a US president with ties to Ballina drop by last year as a honour. He added, “I look forward to his return.”
A few perceive Ballina’s waning interest in Biden as a triumph for other places.
An upbeat man from Leitrim posted on Facebook: “Does anyone from Eslin or Gortletteragh know any Harrises? We have to act promptly.”