Harris says Ireland and US should work ‘every hour' on tariff deal
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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'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.'
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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.'
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