US Ambassador Visit

US Ambassador Visit

By Matthew Burke

The Ambassador’s Residence is located in the Phoenix Park, across from Áras an Uachtaráin. It has been described as a ‘Mini White House’ and I would definitely agree. Upon arrival, an embassy staff member gave us a tour of the grounds which were beautiful. We were then given a tour of the opulent residence, which was breathtaking. We then met the American Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin in the foyer. She gave us a tour of many rooms, including the red room, the blue room, the dining room and the ballroom. She was extremely welcoming and hospitable and she made sure we enjoyed our tour. We learned many things about the history of the building, like how seven presidents had visited; John F. Kennedy being the first and Joe Biden being the most recent.

After our tour, we were brought into the ballroom where we were offered a selection of drinks, crisps and chocolate bars. We were then given the opportunity to ask questions of the ambassador. She spoke about her main priorities, which were strengthening Irish-American relations, encouraging investment from Irish businesses into the U.S. and ensuring peace was maintained in Northern Ireland. Before being ambassador, she was the house majority leader in Massachusetts, working on many important issues like gun reform and new measures to tackle police brutality in the wake of the George Floyd case. She studied political science and she also worked as a lawyer for many years. Due to her experience, she was the natural candidate for the role. Part of her role is hosting special guests, such as President Joe Biden’s trip in April. There were mainly logistical challenges for his visit and he visited the Ambassador in the residence where he had lunch and prepared his speeches for a few hours.

Meeting the U.S. Ambassador was an incredible experience for all of us. Ireland has always had a special relationship with America, connected by centuries of Irish people emigrating there. The Ambassador, Claire Cronin, is very proud of her Irish ancestry on both sides of her family, so having an Irish-American Ambassador and an Irish-American President is symbolic. It was incredible for us to meet her and learn more about Ireland’s connection to America and her role as ambassador. She is an inspiring person and excellent ambassador.