Latest news with #EdwardWalsh
Irish Independent
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
‘If Ed Walsh phones, Donald Trump answers': Will the US president's golf buddy be his Irish enforcer as ambassador?
The new US envoy is proud of his Irish roots, but he will find his hosts out of step with the White House on a range of issues from trade to Gaza The new US ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh, has arrived in his palatial residence in the Phoenix Park with a welcome from the powers-that-be. But it is a reception tinged with awkwardness, and in certain quarters, the policies of his government will be met with downright hostility. Lurking in the background is an ill-disguised Irish loathing of much of what is going on in Donald Trump's White House – the war in Gaza, the bombing of Iran and the precarious nature of current trade talks which could be devastating for the Irish economy should they go wrong. What happens if the president of the United States throws an unpredictable hissy fit?
Irish Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Simon Harris tells 4th of July party ‘the bombs have to stop' in Gaza
Tánaiste Simon Harris told the new US Ambassador to Ireland that the 'bombs have to stop' in Gaza . Mr Harris, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, was addressing the annual Independence Day celebration at the ambassador's residence in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, Edward Walsh's first public event since presenting his credentials to President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday. He spoke about the 'enduring friendship' between Ireland and the US before mentioning the 'ongoing situation in Gaza'. 'Ireland has always unreservedly condemned Hamas. We stand for the Israeli people's right to live in peace. We call again for the release of all hostages. READ MORE [ Israel steps up deadly bombardment of Gaza, killing at least 90 people, before ceasefire talks Opens in new window ] 'But the bombs have to stop. The killing has to stop. We must have a ceasefire. 'Humanitarian aid must get to the people suffering horrific injuries, starvation and disease. Because the cry of a child is the same in any language. It compels us to provide comfort and protection from harm. 'As human beings in positions of power, we can no longer bear the heartbreaking cries of the children of the Middle East. The new US Ambassador to Ireland Edward S Walsh (left) accompanied on stage by his wife Lynn, two of his three daughters and Tánaiste Simon Harris at the 4th of July celebrations at Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photograph: Dan Dennison 'I urge all involved to support and engage in efforts under way to reach agreement on a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement.' Mr Harris told the crowd the US helped bring peace to our island 'by putting its own reputation on the line, and believing in hope instead of history'. 'The Good Friday Agreement taught the world that peace is always possible, that wounds can be healed, and that differences that once seemed insurmountable can be overcome.' Mr Harris said, at home and abroad, 'Ireland's message is always the same: We must honour our history by putting our own reputation on the line in the search for peace'. 'Ireland's concerns reflect a heartfelt commitment to humanitarian principles and a belief that lasting peace can only come through justice, accountability, and the protection of all civilian lives.' He said: 'When friends speak candidly to one another, it strengthens rather than weakens their bond.' During his speech, Mr Harris also spoke about the ongoing tariff war between the US and the EU. 'With some of the most important voices in the Irish and US business communities here tonight, let me say again loud and clear – we want and need to see an agreement reached between the EU and the US,' Mr Harris said. 'Ireland has been consistent in our approach; we want to see zero for zero tariffs in as many areas as possible. We want to reach a deal as soon as possible.' Mr Harris spoke after Mr Walsh, so the ambassador didn't have the chance to reply – publicly at least. The men held a private meeting before the event. In his speech, Mr Walsh expressed his 'deep gratitude to my good friend, president Donald Trump, for entrusting me with this role'. He told the crowd he stood before them 'as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course'. Mr Walsh said he looked forward to 'building lasting relationships, communicating openly and embracing all that brings our people together'. After the speeches, Michael Flatley played a flute solo. People then formed a queue to take photos with Walsh – including Independent TDs Mattie McGrath and Carol Nolan – while a live band, the Controversial All Stars, played You Can Go Your Own Way. Guests at the 4th of July celebrations at Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photograph: Dan Dennison The new US Ambassador to Ireland Edward S Walsh on stage with his wife Lynn. Photograph: Dan Dennison Musician and dancer Michael Flatley on stage at the July 4th event on Thursday evening. Photograph: Dan Dennison Tánaiste Simon Harris (right) and Michael Flatley at the 4th of July celebrations. Photograph: Dan Dennison About 2,500 guests from the worlds of politics, business, culture, sport, and media attended the event, marking the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. Many TDs, past and present, milled around, but several politicians turned down an invite to the party. Among them was People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who took part in a large Palestine solidarity protest across the road from the residence. Zak Hania was among the proesters at the Phoenix Park on Thursday evening. Photograph: Órla Ryan Ruth Coppinger described the situation in Gaza as 'US-funded genocide'. Photograph: Órla Ryan Protesters shouted 'shame, shame' and 'you feast while Gaza starves' as guests entered the party. Ms Coppinger was among the protesters. She said, as a TD, she had been invited to the celebration but could not in good conscience attend. 'It's absolutely incredible that such a thing would be organised. The people of Gaza are starving or being killed trying to access food,' she said. Ms Coppinger described the situation in Gaza as 'US-funded genocide'. 'Genocide in Gaza couldn't be happening without the political, and financial support of the United States.' Zak Hania , an Irish-Palestinian man who spent months trapped in the Gaza Strip before returning to Ireland last year, was also at the protest. 'The Americans are a huge part in this genocide, and they are contributing to the killing machine of our children and our elderly and our people,' Mr Hania said. 'You are having a huge dinner, and you are inviting a lot of people to eat and enjoy while the blood of our children are on the streets and our people are dying of hunger.'
Irish Times
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Harris tells 4th of July party ‘the bombs have to stop' in Gaza
Tánaiste Simon Harris told the new US Ambassador to Ireland that the 'bombs have to stop' in Gaza . Mr Harris, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, was addressing the annual Independence Day celebration at the ambassador's residence in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, Edward Walsh's first public event since presenting his credentials to President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday. The Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke about the 'enduring friendship' between Ireland and the US before mentioning the 'ongoing situation in Gaza'. 'Ireland has always unreservedly condemned Hamas. We stand for the Israeli people's right to live in peace. We call again for the release of all hostages. READ MORE [ Israel steps up deadly bombardment of Gaza, killing at least 90 people, before ceasefire talks Opens in new window ] 'But the bombs have to stop. The killing has to stop. We must have a ceasefire. 'Humanitarian aid must get to the people suffering horrific injuries, starvation and disease. Because the cry of a child is the same in any language. It compels us to provide comfort and protection from harm. 'As human beings in positions of power, we can no longer bear the heartbreaking cries of the children of the Middle East. 'I urge all involved to support and engage in efforts under way to reach agreement on a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement.' Mr Harris told the crowd the US helped bring peace to our island 'by putting its own reputation on the line, and believing in hope instead of history'. 'The Good Friday Agreement taught the world that peace is always possible, that wounds can be healed, and that differences that once seemed insurmountable can be overcome.' Edward S Walsh with Tanaiste Simon Harris. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Mr Harris said, at home and abroad, 'Ireland's message is always the same: We must honour our history by putting our own reputation on the line in the search for peace'. 'Ireland's concerns reflect a heartfelt commitment to humanitarian principles and a belief that lasting peace can only come through justice, accountability, and the protection of all civilian lives.' He said: 'When friends speak candidly to one another, it strengthens rather than weakens their bond.' During his speech, Mr Harris also spoke about the ongoing tariff war between the US and the EU. 'With some of the most important voices in the Irish and US business communities here tonight, let me say again loud and clear – we want and need to see an agreement reached between the EU and the US,' Mr Harris said. 'Ireland has been consistent in our approach; we want to see zero for zero tariffs in as many areas as possible. We want to reach a deal as soon as possible.' Mr Harris spoke after Mr Walsh, so the ambassador didn't have the chance to reply – publicly at least. The men held a private meeting before the event. In his speech, Mr Walsh expressed his 'deep gratitude to my good friend, president Donald Trump, for entrusting me with this role'. Edward S Walsh (left), with Michael Flatley. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA He told the crowd he stood before them 'as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course'. Mr Walsh said he looked forward to 'building lasting relationships, communicating openly and embracing all that brings our people together'. After the speeches, Michael Flatley played a flute solo. People then formed a queue to take photos with Walsh – including Independent TDs Mattie McGrath and Carol Nolan – while a live band, the Controversial All Stars, played You Can Go Your Own Way. About 2,500 guests from the worlds of politics, business, culture, sport, and media attended the event, marking the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. Many TDs, past and present, milled around, but several politicians turned down an invite to the party. Among them was People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who took part in a large Palestine solidarity protest across the road from the residence. Ruth Coppinger described the situation in Gaza as 'US-funded genocide'. Photograph: Órla Ryan Protesters shouted 'shame, shame' and 'you feast while Gaza starves' as guests entered the party. Ms Coppinger was among the protesters. She said, as a TD, she had been invited to the celebration but could not in good conscience attend. 'It's absolutely incredible that such a thing would be organised. The people of Gaza are starving or being killed trying to access food,' she said. Ms Coppinger described the situation in Gaza as 'US-funded genocide'. 'Genocide in Gaza couldn't be happening without the political, and financial support of the United States.' Zak Hania was among the proesters at the Phoenix Park on Thursday evening. Photograph: Órla Ryan Zak Hania , an Irish-Palestinian man who spent months trapped in the Gaza Strip before returning to Ireland last year, was also at the protest. 'The Americans are a huge part in this genocide, and they are contributing to the killing machine of our children and our elderly and our people,' Mr Hania said. 'You are having a huge dinner, and you are inviting a lot of people to eat and enjoy while the blood of our children are on the streets and our people are dying of hunger.'
BreakingNews.ie
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Harris says Ireland and US should work ‘every hour' on tariff deal
Ireland and the US should 'use every hour' to reach a zero-for-zero tariff settlement in as many areas as possible, the Tánaiste has told the new US ambassador. On the eve of US Independence Day on Friday, new ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh hosted Fourth of July celebrations on the lawn of the Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park. Advertisement Simon Harris was among guests at Mr Walsh's first public appearance since presenting his credentials to President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday. Outside the star-spangled celebration, scores of protesters gathered outside the main entrance to the estate chanting: 'They feast, Gaza starves.' The demonstrators gathered to shout 'shame' at attendees over the US government's military support for Israel's war in Gaza. Protesters outside the US Ambassador Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park (Brian Lawless/PA) Barriers erected as part of a heightened security presence around the residence were adorned with pro-Palestinian banners and posters calling for an end for US military use of Shannon Airport. Advertisement Inside, the US Embassy had invited 2,500 guests which included members of the Oireachtas, media figures, and business leaders. Shortly after 8pm, as a band played James Bond theme Live And Let Die, the ambassador walked out of the residence to the garden party with Riverdance creator Michael Flatley. Mr Harris shook hands with Mr Flatley outside a hotdog stand, having already met the ambassador inside the residence. All three took to the stage for renditions of the US and Irish national anthems, a colour guard, speeches and Flatley performing on a flute. Advertisement Mr Walsh told those gathered: 'I have been told that this is the best job in the entire world — and having been here a week, and I feel like that's the truth.' Mr Walsh told the crowd that the gathering for the US's 249th Independence Day was an opportunity to deepen relationships between the two countries. He said he and his family were happy to make the residence his new home, although they were still figuring out the light switches. US Marines flag bearers as the new US Ambassador to Ireland Edward S Walsh hosts July 4 celebrations at Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park (Brian Lawless/PA) Expressing gratitude to president Donald Trump for appointing him to the role, he said he would work to strengthen the relationships between the US and Ireland. Advertisement 'I stand before you as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course. 'As the new US ambassador to Ireland, I look forward to building lasting relationships, communicating openly, and embracing all that brings our peoples together.' He relayed an anecdote from his grandmother that: 'God made the Germans to be serious, the French sophisticated, the Italians passionate – but no one was having fun, so he created the Irishman.' To a muted response, he said: 'You can cheer for that one.' Advertisement Having received a more enthusiastic reaction, Mr Walsh concluded his speech by asking the audience to 'cheers' for the support of his family, Mr Trump, and Ireland. Mr Walsh introduced his wife Lynn; his daughter Maggie and her husband, Matthew Kelly; and his daughter Anna and her fiance, Pat Beljan. His daughter Rachel was at home in New Jersey with her husband, Joe McGrath, and their two children. Mr Harris said the US and Ireland have been 'intertwined in each other's stories' through a shared history and cultural exchange, adding that Americans had played an important role in the Northern Ireland peace process. He said the economic relationship between the two countries was of 'immense mutual benefit'. 'As I speak tonight, I am conscious that we are just days away from the deadline when the US pause on placing tariffs on EU goods, and therefore on Irish goods, will be reached.' He added: 'Let's use every hour between then to reach a deal.' The new US ambassador to Ireland Edward S Walsh (left), with Michael Flatley (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr Harris said Ireland wanted to see a 'zero-for-zero' tariff approach in as many areas as possible, adding that uncertainty and instability 'helps no one'. 'With some of the most important voices in the Irish and US business communities here tonight, let me say again loud and clear – we want and we need to see an agreement reached between the EU and the US.' Adding that 'true friendship is not measured by constant agreement', the Tánaiste changed direction in his speech to express Ireland's concerns about the 'ongoing situation in Gaza'. 'Ireland has always unreservedly condemned Hamas as a terrorist organisation. 'We stand for Israel's right to live in peace.' He added: 'But we also want the bombs to stop, the killing to stop and we, as I know you do, want to see a ceasefire where humanitarian aid can get to people suffering.' Mr Harris said Ireland would honour its history by putting its reputation on the line in the search for peace, adding that its concerns in Gaza reflect a 'heartfelt commitment to humanitarian principles'. He told the ambassador that Ireland and the US had the ability to engage honestly and respectively even when perspectives differ. 'When friends speak candidly to one another, it strengthen rather than weakens their bond.'
Irish Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
De Valera's acrimonious relationship with US President Roosevelt's man in Dublin during Second World War
The requirement that students must unlock social media profiles when applying for US visas reminds us that Irish sentiment is out of step with the White House when it comes to international affairs. The new American ambassador, Edward Walsh, is not the first to find himself at odds with Irish opinion makers – during his 1984 presidential visit, TDs and senators listened to Ronald Reagan's remarks on Central America in stony silence. Such challenges do not compare, however, to the acrimony between Éamon de Valera and David Gray, then US president Franklin D Roosevelt's man in Dublin during the second World War. Before Germany surrendered, Gray had been told by the State Department Ireland would not be invited to participate in the inaugural conference of the United Nations in San Francisco. De Valera's courtesy call on the German minister, Eduard Hempel, to express his condolences after Hitler's death caused outrage in Britain and the US, but at home it reinforced the perception that neutrality was administered impartially. READ MORE The extent of Ireland's co-operation with the Allies remained secret, and Winston Churchill's personal remarks about de Valera's policy on VE Day – the Irish government had stayed out of the war 'to frolic' with the Germans 'to their heart's content' – incensed public opinion. De Valera's dignified response on radio won him admiration, and identified neutrality with Irish independence. Following his visit to Hempel, a gesture his senior officials saw as grotesquely ill-judged, the taoiseach received fiercely critical letters from Irish-Americans. One serviceman in the Philippines wrote, 'I have a mother in Ireland, I also have brothers fighting this war, but I guess Dr Hempel means more to you. Have no more time, got to fight the Jap.' Other letter writers wrote of 'great embarrassment' and feeling 'ashamed'. On the other hand, the tactful British representative in Dublin, John Maffey, thought that de Valera's pose as the elder statesman in his reply to Churchill – skilfully working on 'all the old passions' – represented a setback for Britain's approach to Ireland. Gray arrived in Dublin in February 1940, three months before Hitler's tanks rolled over the Netherlands, Belgium, and then France. Like Roosevelt, the inexperienced American representative had no sympathy for Ireland's neutral stance – even though the US stayed out of the war until Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December the following year. Gray could not understand the diplomatic balancing act de Valera had to perform to avoid antagonising the two nearest belligerent powers. As one of his critics put it, the American representative 'brandished the big stick too much'. Relations between the two deteriorated when Frank Aiken went to Washington in April 1941 in an effort to ease the supplies squeeze enforced by Churchill. De Valera's close cabinet colleague, responsible for co-ordinating defensive measures, did succeed in purchasing two ships, but only after a fraught meeting with the president. According to an Irish source, Aiken insisted that Ireland had to contend with a twin threat of 'aggression' – from Britain, and Germany. The pro-British Roosevelt thundered 'nonsense' and pulled the tablecloth to land his lunch on the floor. Furious with the reception Aiken received during his visit, de Valera believed Gray had misrepresented him to the president. But their relationship reached a critical point in February 1944 when the American envoy asked de Valera to recall the German and Japanese representatives. The taoiseach saw the 'American note' as an ultimatum and rejected it as undermining Ireland's neutrality. When Hitler took his own life in April 1945, Gray demanded the keys of the German legation before its records could be destroyed ' – de Valera rejected this too. T he cessation of hostilities in Europe did not mark the end of this period of testy US-Irish relations as Gray stayed in Dublin until 1947. Sceptical about the benefits of joining the UN, de Valera told the Dáil in June 1946 that Ireland 'was losing nothing' by not applying for membership. 'But all changed in a matter of weeks,' his biographer Ronan Fanning writes, 'as the cold war deepened'. Soviet efforts to have their Eastern European satellites admitted as members of the UN led to the British and the Americans supporting the applications of neutral European countries. However, the Soviet Union used its Security Council veto to reject Irish membership – ostensibly because diplomatic relations had not been established. This refusal caused little upset in Dublin, creating, as one leading civil servant put it, 'neither surprise nor disappointment'. A Soviet spokesman later stated at the UN general assembly that states such as Ireland and Salazar's Portugal could not be regarded as 'peace-loving' because they had 'supported fascism' during the war, and, he said, they maintained 'particularly friendly relationships' with Franco's Spain, 'the last offshoot of fascism in Europe'. Ireland finally became a member of the UN in 1955.
