New US ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh assumes office and thanks ‘friend, President Donald J. Trump for trust in me'

Irish Independent

2 days ago

He presented his credentials to President Michael D Higgins at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin today, where he was joined by his family, including his wife, Lynn.
After the ceremony, the new ambassador from New Jersey said it is "the honour of a lifetime to assume the role": "I am truly grateful to my friend, President Donald J. Trump, for his trust in me."
"While this is my first foray into diplomacy, my business background and years of public service have taught me invaluable lessons that I will bring to my new role here," he said.
"The United States and Ireland enjoy a relationship rooted in friendship, strengthened by partnership, and enriched by deep people-to-people ties.
"I am committed to building on this strong foundation and working closely with our Irish partners to advance our mutual interests," he added.
In December 2024, Edward S. Walsh was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the US ambassador to Ireland, taking over from Claire Cronin.
Announcing his decision, President Trump described Mr Walsh as a 'great philanthropist' and a 'champion golfer, a very good asset for the ambassador of Ireland to have'.
After Senate confirmation, Mr Walsh was sworn in by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Oval Office on June 19.
Before his appointment, he was the president of a New Jersey-based construction and real estate firm, the Walsh Company, which he founded in 2003.
Mr Walsh is a friend of Mr Trump, a fellow avid golfer and a member of the Trump National Bedminster golf club, who also served as chairman of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority for eight years.
The businessman and his wife of 36 years, Lynn, are parents to three adult daughters: Rachel, Maggie and Anna.
In a video posted on social media after the couple arrived at the Deerfield Residence, the official residence of the US ambassador to Ireland in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, he said: "As a proud Irish-American from New Jersey, this feels like a homecoming."
"My family's roots trace back to Ireland and Co Clare. I've always felt a deep connection to this country and its people.
"During my time here, I want to strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two great nations, expanding collaboration in business, education and innovation.
"I believe the ties between the US and Ireland are more than historic. They're forward-looking, full of opportunity and driven by people. I hope to meet many of you from the four corners of this beautiful island," he added.