Congresswoman Scanlon Concludes Delegation Trip to the Republic of Ireland with President Biden
Washington,
April 15, 2023
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) returned today from a presidential delegation trip to the Republic of Ireland with President Biden, diplomatic leaders, and Congressional leaders. The delegation trip commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement by celebrating the success of this historic partnership and the continuing effort for lasting peace and shared prosperity. The visit took place during a critical time for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as the European Union and United Kingdom continue to make progress in their post-Brexit negotiations. “As a proud Irish American and representative of one of the largest populations of Irish Americans in the United States, it was an honor to accompany President Biden to the Republic of Ireland,” said Rep. Scanlon. “During our visit, we celebrated the progress made in the 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and reaffirmed our commitment to building a global economy that puts working families first. In a Congressional district where 1 in 5 people, including myself, are of Irish heritage, we feel the significance of the strong Irish-American relationship. The trip also provided an opportunity to build upon my district’s more than 300 years of extensive cultural and economic ties with Ireland, including the direct shipping line between Cork and Chester PA which launched in 2020.” As the delegation celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, they reflected on the hard-won peace that marked the end of the longest period of conflict in Irish history. Negotiated by leaders from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with significant assistance from successive United States’ presidents, the agreement received the support of the vast majority of citizens voting in simultaneous referendums on both sides of the border. Rep. Scanlon continued, “The Good Friday Agreement is one of the most successful peace efforts in recent history, a remarkable achievement that ended decades of bloody conflict and brought stability and opportunity to generations. This historic agreement would not have been possible without the pioneering women who demanded change through efforts like the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, and the commitment of all parties to a brighter future for the island, founded upon a commitment to democratic principles and the rejection of political violence. As a guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the United States has a vested interest in the success of all parts of the agreement, and Congress and the administration will continue to honor that commitment.” During the visit, the delegation met with President Michael Higgins of Ireland and participated in a tree-planting ceremony and ringing of the Peace Bell. They met with leaders from across the political spectrum, and accompanied President Biden to the Houses of the Oireachtas, where he offered remarks on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. During dinners hosted by various state leaders, such as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense Micheál Martin, the delegation discussed the American-Irish partnership to protect freedom and sovereignty abroad, as well as shared interests in defending Ukraine from Putin’s unlawful invasion, climate rescue efforts, and ending global hunger. “I am grateful for the partnership and friendship offered by President Higgins, Taoiseach Varadkar, Tánaiste Martin, and our many other hosts in Ireland,” said Rep. Scanlon. “I look forward to our continued work together to strengthen the economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between America and Ireland.” Select photos from the trip are available for media use upon request. Joining Rep. Scanlon as part of the President’s delegation were:
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