On January 20, 2017, Prime Minister Simon Harris and Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin extended their congratulations to Donald Trump following his inauguration as the 45th President of the United States. Both leaders emphasized the strong and enduring relationship between Ireland and the US, underscoring their shared history, economic ties, and collaborative efforts on global challenges.
Prime Minister Simon Harris’ Statement
Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed his congratulations to President Trump, highlighting the peaceful transfer of power in the US as a hallmark of democracy. Harris stressed the importance of continued cooperation between Ireland and the US, noting the historical connections between the two nations, particularly Ireland’s long-standing ties to the American people.
“We look forward to working with President Trump and his administration in the months ahead,” Harris said, referencing the shared values and mutual interests that have shaped the relationship. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the US to the peace process in Ireland and the continued economic partnership between the two countries. Harris also mentioned President Trump’s past visits to Ireland, including his investment in Doonbeg, County Clare, and expressed hope for a future visit.
Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin’s Remarks
Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin also extended his congratulations, reaffirming Ireland’s commitment to being a reliable and steady partner to the US. Martin reflected on the deep historical bonds that have long connected the two nations, emphasizing the economic relationship that now exceeds €1 trillion annually in two-way trade.
Martin also acknowledged the vital role the US has played in Ireland’s peace process, noting the contributions of successive American administrations in fostering reconciliation on the island. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that Ireland and the US would continue to address global challenges together, focusing on the need for international cooperation to resolve both common issues and differences.
Shared Goals and Future Collaboration
Both leaders highlighted their commitment to advancing mutual goals, including economic growth, the promotion of democratic values, and addressing global threats like climate change and conflict. Ireland’s economic ties with the US are robust, with significant investment from US businesses in Ireland, contributing to job creation and economic stability in both countries.
As the Trump administration begins its term, Harris and Martin both expressed optimism about the continued success of the Irish-American partnership and their collective efforts to address challenges on the global stage.
This positive tone reflects a broad bipartisan understanding in Ireland of the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties with the United States, regardless of changes in leadership.
Picture by Jennifer Boyer on Flickr CCA SA 2.0.
