Former US House of Representatives Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, recently spoke at an event in Dublin expressing concern about the numerous challenges to democracy in the present age, pointing fingers at the autocratic activities in Russia and China. She reiterated that the struggle between autocracy and democracy is intensifying, reflected in various ways including Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and China’s economic influence. The ex-speaker noted that features of American democracy such as unprejudiced elections and judicial independence are at risk, emphasizing the gravity of the situation for democracy.
The venue for the talk, Deerfield Residence, is the residence of the US ambassador to Ireland, where Pelosi received the inaugural Public Service Award from Fulbright Ireland. This organization sets up academic exchanges, enabling Irish and American citizens to pursue education, research or lectureship opportunities in either country.
In a conversation with Claire Cronin, the US ambassador, Pelosi applauded the US House’s approval of a delayed bill that secured billions in military aid for Taiwan, Israel, and Ukraine. Pelosi acknowledged this bill as an “urgent” and “necessary” initiative to bolster democracy, while commending Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy. However, written references to the $26.4 billion allocation for Israel’s military aid from the package approved by Congress on Saturday were absent. Of the said amount, around $9 billion would be channelled as humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and Paul Pelosi, Pelosi’s husband. Pelosi reflected on her extensive political career, including her interactions with different presidents. She sung praises for presidents Clinton and Obama, underlining Clinton’s under-appraised efforts in the White House and Obama’s stellar performance. Though discord over the Iraq War marked her interactions with President George W Bush, she described their relationship positively. Lastly, she commended current President Joe Biden, emphasising his empathy for the working class and substantial political experience.
In a subtly indirect manner, Ms Pelosi referred multiple times to the previous American President, Donald J Trump, though she refrained from mentioning him by name. She candidly voiced her belief that some individuals should be kept at a distance from the White House at all times. Prior to her attendance at the ambassador’s residence, she dedicated a portion of her Sunday afternoon for a meeting with President Michael D Higgins at Arás an Uachtaráin.