To be sick hearing about Biden's Visit to Ireland

[Viviennemary]

What business is it of his even if he does have Irish ancestors. He should keep his nose out. it's really beginning to annoy me now. And he's not even there yet.

Is that you Arlene?

Biden, as a senior US politician, was instrumental in advancing American involvement in the Belfast Treaty.
He has always been proud of his Irish roots, as are many Americans - nearly 10% of the population.
The Irish caucus in US politics has immense clout. Ireland is one of the USA’s special interests.

Biden is one of the most experienced and successful American politicians in recent times. I’m not sure it matters if he annoys you, OP.

Interesting that. Ireland is happy out with the visit. No idea why anyone else would expend any interest to GAF.

Would be weird if the US president didn't visit for the 25th anniversary of the GFA.

He’s the American President. Of course a state visit will be reported. How odd.

are you being deliberately obtuse? He is in Ireland for the 25th anniversary of the GFA, back in your box

The media gushing over any visiting any US president is always embarrassing I think.

Her dad was killed by the IRA (i think, will have to check). So i'd understand in a way if she was less than benevolent towards Republicans.

I think that they should make a Derry Girls episode to commemorate this visit.

It was an attempted murder. He survived.

I would be so there for that! I absolutely loved Derry Girls. Used to be in floods watching it x

JB is sincerely proud of his irish ancestry ( one in ten Americans claim Irish ancestry) although of course American first and foremost in his decision making. He has also publicly discussed his father’s English heritage although noted that even his father had an Irish granny somewhere along the line. The American/Irish relationship is long standing with political, economic and social benefits on both sides now - the strong American connection was of course historically significant but was most recently beneficial during the GFA ( very much seen as a legacy achievement for the Democratic Party )and the brexit protocol negotiations. It’s not just about winning the Irish vote anymore either for USA presidents. As well as having sentimental status, Ireland is an influential player in the EU and an ally for the USA.Therefore, as president of America, all matters Ireland are very relevant . What exactly are your objections OP - given that you are a very regular poster across these boards on a variety of matters, I expect you understand the importance and influence of this relationship - is it perhaps you may not appreciate some of the outcomes that have been engineered in recent times ?

@Viviennemary

Is the green eyed monster whispering naughty thoughts into your ear? Are you one of those Britons who still believes in the 'special relationship'?

He's there to celebrate the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, which he counts as one of his own major political achievements.

The GFA ended 30 years of bloody strife in Northern Ireland and ushered in an era of relative peace and prosperity in the province. It came about thanks to the determination of Bill Clinton, Senator George Mitchell, and a good few other American politicians to put their weight behind negotiations to end the conflict and build a framework on which political and civic cooperation could develop.

Because of years of close involvement in the negotiations leading to the GFA, the US government is heavily invested in its success, to the chagrin of Boris Johnson and other British political charlatans. And also some dog in the manger posters here.

Biden also has some Irish ancestors - they left Ireland during or around the time of the famine - but he's here to remind Westminster that the GFA is America's sacred cow and nobody had better get any ideas about damaging it.

You said it BETTER!

Life has not been perfect in the last 25 years in Northern Ireland. However it is appropriate to mark the anniversary of the Belfast agreement.

As for the US President having Irish ancestors, I am sure many people remember and even celebrate any ancestry from another country.

I didn’t even know he visiting until one of my colleagues in dublin mentioned it today because he said he hoped the road closures don’t affect him getting into the office tomorrow.

This is quote of the day for me. Is it transference your experiencing here op?

I’d have far more surprised if the American President - regardless of who it was - didn’t come for the GFA anniversary. They were heavily involved in it.

Also isn’t his Irish heritage some of the most recent of all the presidents that claim some - his great grandfather I think?

Tbf i think everyone except Bush was Irish!

I wonder will we name a petrol station after him. Joe Biden Plaza anyone?

No, even Bush has an irish connection somewhere along the line

its always embarrassing to see posters show their ignorance up quite so publicly
But in some cases it's utterlY unsurprising.

At least Biden, who lived in the same house as his grandparents for some of his childhood, actually had contact with people who

whose parents were actually Irish and who had first hand stories.

rather than some of them with their Gr-gr-gr-gr-gr-gr grandfather connections

Think Trump doesn’t though, although he does of course have a golf course