In the last sunlit Sunday of March, US President Joe Biden amusingly mentioned the upcoming 100th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Ireland and the USA during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the White House. These memories now seem to belong to a long-gone political era, even though it was just seven months ago. This event held significance as it was the last international obligation of former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, who surprisingly resigned his position two days after returning from the states.
Biden, while addressing the attendees in March, humorously clarified that he was not present at the start of these diplomatic relations. This was a light-hearted attempt to address the concerns surrounding his age, a topic that ultimately influenced his surprising decision to not be the Democratic candidate in this year’s elections.
Currently, as his tenure draws towards its conclusion, the US president is set to host Simon Harris, the new Taoiseach, for a ceremonial event marking the centenary. Owing to the looming threat of Hurricane Milton, potentially hitting Florida’s west coast, the celebration has been reduced and modified at the last minute. This forced the cancellation of an event for more than 300 guests in the Rose Garden, including speeches from the leaders.
Instead, Biden and Harris are planning a subdued 30-minute conversation in the Oval Office. Harris will also take part in other pre-arranged events, including a meeting with the Friends of Ireland caucus and a trip to Georgetown University on Thursday morning.
Before his visit, Harris expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss significant matters such as the dire circumstances in Gaza and the larger Middle East. Harris also stated his appreciation for being the first country to acknowledge Ireland diplomatically. He characterized the bond between the US and Ireland as “singular and special,” one that “evolves and grows stronger with each successive generation.”
Earlier, in July, US representatives Mike Kelly and Richard Neal had proposed a resolution to celebrate the 100 years of diplomatic association between the two nations.
Throughout the previous century, there has existed a steadfast and robust bond between Ireland and the United States, a connection firmly grounded in mutual democratic values, as stated by Neal. He further elaborated that the strength of their ties, both economic and rooted in shared commitments to advancing freedom and upholding a rules-based international system globally, has persisted over the last 100 years. He was optimistic that this support for one another would endure for the next century and beyond.
BWidely known for his Irish heritage, Biden takes pride in his ancestral ties, which he has worn as a symbol of honour throughout his five-decade political career. He is part of a prestigious array of American politicians, such as former presidents Bill Clinton and John F Kennedy and House Speaker Tip O’Neill. They all, crucially, contributed to establishing a uniquely close relationship between both nations.
The inception of this relationship formally dates back to the 7th of October, 1924, when the former Irish ambassador, Timothy Smiddy, offered his credentials to president Calvin Coolidge. The connection has stayed intact consistently, despite specific challenges, such as the pivotal role of the Clinton administration during the Belfast Agreement discussions, and the controversy surrounding Shannon Airport’s usage by the US military during the 2003 Iraq War, controversial to some as they perceived it as undermining Irish neutrality.
Yet, even with the traditional ‘Irish’ vote in the US becoming more diverse, nostalgia, historical connection, and economical practicality remain the principle elements binding these countries together after a united century. This partnership is set for celebration amidst an unparalleled storm, coinciding with a highly contentious US election.