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The US president addresses the Irish Parliament in tribute to the country's influence in the United States Joe Biden has toasted the "Irish blood" spilled during the American Revolutionary War, becoming the fourth US president to address parliament in Dublin. The president opened his speech to a joint Dail and Seanad session by saying, "Well, Mum, you said it would happen."
He went on to pay tribute to the role of Ireland and Irish immigrants in American history, saying the two countries had “a partnership for the ages that begins in our shared history, going back to the very founding of the United States.
"The Irish hearts that helped light the torch of freedom and my country and ignited its revolutionary spirit, the Irish blood of this entire island that gave itself voluntarily for the independence of my country."
Biden's trip to Ireland coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. In his speech, he said Britain should work more closely with Ireland to keep the peace in Northern Ireland.
"Political violence can never take over this island," he added.
Britain should work more closely with Ireland to keep peace in Northern Ireland, Joe Biden said in a speech to the Dail.
The US president said the Good Friday Agreement, signed 25 years ago, "still needs champions."
"We must never forget that peace has become a reality lived by a whole generation of young people," he said, adding: "Peace is precious."
After years of uncertainty in Northern Ireland due to Brexit, the president said: "I think the UK should work more closely with Ireland and this effort never. Political violence can never settle on this island.
Continuing his address to the Irish Parliament, Joe Biden said: “Today I would like to reflect on the enduring strength of the ties between Ireland and the United States. A partnership for the ages begins in our shared history, dating back to the very founding of the United States.
“The Irish hearts that helped light the torch of freedom and my country and ignite its revolutionary spirit, the Irish blood of this entire island that gave itself voluntarily for the independence of my country.
“The Irish hands that laid the foundation for a new kind of future. One from the bottom up and from the middle out based on freedom.
The President of the United States continued: “I always have a bit of Ireland close by when I'm in Washington. In the Oval Office. I have the rugby ball signed by the Irish rugby team, the ball the team played when they beat the All Blacks in government.
Mr. Biden made a huge mistake yesterday when he mistakenly referred to the All Blacks as Black and Tans; the former being the New Zealand national rugby union team and the latter a name for British reserve troops during the Irish War of Independence.
He added: 'My cousin, one of Ireland's biggest rugby stars, Rob Kennedy, brought it to DC on St Patrick's Day in 2022 to give it to me and I haven't played rugby except when I wasn't in law school. And I wasn't playing very well, we were playing club rugby. But I played football, a few other sports, but I realized that, you know, you're crazy. "
Joe Biden's first words when he took the floor to address the Irish Parliament: "Well, Mum, you said it would happen."
He later apologized to a small child in the audience for "listening to political speech by an American president."
Joe Biden received enthusiastic applause as he entered the Dail chamber.
The DTs and senators stood up to cheer as others shook his hand as he walked down the steps.
DTs could be seen taking photos and smiling as the US President joined them in the Dail.
Introducing Joe Biden, Irish Dail Chairman Sean O Fearghail recalled the first time a US president addressed the camera.
John F. Kennedy, the first Irish-born American president, addressed the Dail in June 1963, months before his assassination.
“Nearly 60 years ago today, in a very different world and a very different Ireland, the late President John F. Kennedy spoke before both houses and inspired our people,” said Mr. Fearghail.
"Therefore, it is particularly appropriate that it is directed so close to this important anniversary," he told Biden.
Joe Biden entered the Dail, or chamber, of the Irish parliament ahead of a speech to members.
Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams is in the Dail for President Joe Biden's speech on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Deal.
Adams, who negotiated the agreement on the Republican side, said last week that thousands of lives had been saved thanks to the peace agreement.
From the Press Association: There was a brief silence in the Dail chamber as an announcement was made to the assembled politicians and dignitaries.
They were told that Joe Biden had left Phoenix Park and was on his way to Leinster House, where Parliament is located.
After the announcement, more politicians began to find their seats, and the volume increased as the talk increased.
Joe Biden arrived in the Irish parliament ahead of a speech in which he will present a "shared vision" for the future relationship between the United States and Ireland.
Biden will be the fourth US president to address Parliament after Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy.
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