In a recent address, President Joe Biden discussed the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland, acknowledging the “complex challenges” that the UK’s departure from the European Union has created in the region. He urged leaders from both the UK and the EU to work together to address these issues in a manner that serves the best interests of Northern Ireland and its people.
President Biden also expressed his appreciation for the “personal leadership” demonstrated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen in reaching an agreement on the Windsor Framework. He emphasized that this agreement provides “stability and predictability,” which in turn encourages increased investment in Northern Ireland.
The President stressed the importance of an “effective devolved government” that accurately represents the people of Northern Ireland and is accountable to them. He believes that by working together to confront difficult issues, the government will create more opportunities for the region’s growth and development.
Furthermore, President Biden expressed his hope that the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive will soon be restored, paving the way for stronger relationships between the north and south. He emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the people of Northern Ireland, not with him or any other external party.
Brexit created "complex challenges" for Northern Ireland, says President Joe Biden in Belfast
He adds that the Windsor Framework deal, agreed by the UK and EU in recent months, will encourage "significant investment" in the region https://t.co/vommhq92LJ pic.twitter.com/tIzmRhqxUi
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Biden says in politics, “if we look hard enough”, there’s always areas that bring people together.
Referring to the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, Biden pays tribute to the five main political parties in Belfast for coming together afterwards.
In February, Det Ch Insp John Caldwell was shot several times by two gunmen as he was putting footballs into his car boot after coaching a youth training session in Omagh.
“Northern Ireland will not go back,” Biden adds, suggesting previous levels of violence should not return.
.#POTUS #JoeBiden meets with Britain's Prime Minister #RishiSunak during a trip to #NorthernIreland and #Ireland for the 25th anniversary of the #GoodFridayAgreement the peace deal which ended 30 years of conflict in #Belfast, Northern Ireland. ????: Paul Faith/WPA Pool #GettyNews pic.twitter.com/8ewnPd9bhW
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In his closing remarks, Biden says “compassion” is the real power of the Good Friday Agreement.
He says Northern Ireland was “transformed” and “made whole” by peace.
He pledges that the US will continue to be Northern Ireland’s partner in “building the future that the young people of our world deserve”.
“It matters to us, to Americans, and to me personally,” he adds.
He says 25 “extraordinary years” should be celebrated by recommitting to renewal and repair and by making peace the birth right of “every child of Northern Ireland for all the days to come”.
