Latest news with #Irish-AmericanHeritageMonth
The Independent
07-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
US department refuses to clarify ‘trade imbalance' call
The US will 'continue to work on' its economic relationship with Ireland, a US state department spokesman said, while refusing to clarify whether the trade imbalance between the two countries was discussed in a recent high-level call. It comes after Irish deputy premier Simon Harris said the trade imbalance between the US and Ireland was 'not specifically referenced' in a call with the US secretary of state Marco Rubio. Mr Harris's account aligned with a readout from the Irish Government about that phone call, which referenced investment in the US but did not mention the trade imbalance. This appeared to contradict comments from a spokeswoman for Mr Rubio, who said he had discussed 'the US priority to address the US-Ireland trade imbalance' with the Irish foreign affairs and trade minister. However, the US state department later refused to comment on whether the trade imbalance was directly discussed during the call, despite the reference in the initial statement. In a comment to the PA news agency on Friday, a spokesman said: 'As a matter of policy, we do not disclose the details of diplomatic discussions. 'The United States values its economic partnership with Ireland, and trade remains an important component of our bilateral relationship that we will continue to work on.' The discrepancy between Mr Harris's comments and the US's official account of the call caused heightened anxiety around Taoiseach Micheal Martin's upcoming bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House next week. Mr Trump's administration has set out an ambition to correct its trade imbalances across the European Union and there is increasing concern over Ireland's exposure to shocks from major policy changes. Earlier in the week, Mr Trump declared March to be Irish-American Heritage Month. He said: The United States and Ireland also enjoy a long friendship strengthened by economic ties, a shared commitment to democracy, and the timeless values of faith, family and freedom. 'As my administration works to correct trade imbalances with the European Union, our historic relationship with Ireland presents an opportunity to advance fairer trade policies and stronger investment opportunities that benefit both nations.'
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US department refuses to clarify ‘trade imbalance' call
The US will 'continue to work on' its economic relationship with Ireland, a US state department spokesman said, while refusing to clarify whether the trade imbalance between the two countries was discussed in a recent high-level call. It comes after Irish deputy premier Simon Harris said the trade imbalance between the US and Ireland was 'not specifically referenced' in a call with the US secretary of state Marco Rubio. Mr Harris's account aligned with a readout from the Irish Government about that phone call, which referenced investment in the US but did not mention the trade imbalance. This appeared to contradict comments from a spokeswoman for Mr Rubio, who said he had discussed 'the US priority to address the US-Ireland trade imbalance' with the Irish foreign affairs and trade minister. However, the US state department later refused to comment on whether the trade imbalance was directly discussed during the call, despite the reference in the initial statement. In a comment to the PA news agency on Friday, a spokesman said: 'As a matter of policy, we do not disclose the details of diplomatic discussions. 'The United States values its economic partnership with Ireland, and trade remains an important component of our bilateral relationship that we will continue to work on.' The discrepancy between Mr Harris's comments and the US's official account of the call caused heightened anxiety around Taoiseach Micheal Martin's upcoming bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House next week. Mr Trump's administration has set out an ambition to correct its trade imbalances across the European Union and there is increasing concern over Ireland's exposure to shocks from major policy changes. Earlier in the week, Mr Trump declared March to be Irish-American Heritage Month. He said: The United States and Ireland also enjoy a long friendship strengthened by economic ties, a shared commitment to democracy, and the timeless values of faith, family and freedom. 'As my administration works to correct trade imbalances with the European Union, our historic relationship with Ireland presents an opportunity to advance fairer trade policies and stronger investment opportunities that benefit both nations.'
BBC News
07-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Trump celebrates Irish in America ahead of taoiseach's visit
EPA US President Donald Trump has hailed the impact of the Irish in America days ahead of Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin's visit to the White House to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday declaring March "Irish-American Heritage Month". March has been designated Irish-American Heritage Month every year since 1991, first by a law passed by Congress, and since 1997 by presidential proclamation. In the proclamation, Trump said the month will "commemorate the special bond of friendship between the United States and Ireland" and "honor the extraordinary contributions of Irish-American citizens past and present". Signing the proclamation, the president said the Irish were "great people", adding: "They voted for me in heavy numbers so I like them even more." The proclamation describes Irish-Americans as "some of the toughest, most driven, and most devoted people on the face of the Earth". "Their faith in God, love of family, and indelible commitment to our national promise continue to inspire citizens all across our country." What is Irish-American Heritage Month? It is a month dedicated to recognising the contribution of Irish immigrants and their descendents to American society. Every year, the US president issues a proclamation to mark the occasion. Cultural events, exhibits and other educational programmes take place each March to highlight the achievements of Irish-Americans. In the 19th and 20th centuries, millions of Irish immigrants moved from Ireland to the cities of Boston, Chicago, and New York "in hopes of a new frontier of opportunity and a better future for their families", the proclamation says. It emphasises that Irish-Americans have played "a crucial role" in the "great American story" by "courageously overcoming adversity and hardship to embolden our culture, enliven our spirit, and fortify our way of life". Irish-Americans have "fought for our freedom on the battlefield, served in our halls of government, and pioneered legendary businesses - leaving a lasting mark on their communities and our national identity", the proclamation continues. "The United States and Ireland also enjoy a long friendship strengthened by economic ties, a shared commitment to democracy, and the timeless values of faith, family, and freedom. "As my administration works to correct trade imbalances with the European Union, our historic relationship with Ireland presents an opportunity to advance fairer trade policies and stronger investment opportunities that benefit both nations." Traditionally politicians from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland take part in engagements in the US around St Patrick's Day. This usually culminates in the taoiseach (Irish prime minister) presenting a bowl of shamrock to the US president in the Oval Office. Martin's meeting with Trump is scheduled to take place on 12 March, five days before St Patrick's Day. Martin has said he will tell Trump that trade tariffs could cause damage to a "small open economy" like Ireland, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ. Irish PM 'delighted' by Trump's White House invite Sinn Féin to boycott White House St Patrick's Day celebrations Analysis: Sinn Féin St Patrick's Day move over Trump policy a gamble Why is the US president given a bowl of shamrock? Speaking to reporters in Dublin, Martin said that he "will give our perspective" on the issue at the White House. The taoiseach said there was "a two-way" nature to the economic relationship between Ireland and the United States and that he will listen to President Trump's perspective. The Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has confirmed she will also travel to Washington DC for the St Patrick's Day celebrations. However, Sinn Féin has said it will not attend the annual festivities over Trump's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Alliance Party leader Naomi Long told her party's annual conference they were "taking a stand" by not attending, and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Claire Hanna said her party would also decline an invitation. Sinn Féin Republic of Ireland DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) Donald Trump
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump celebrates Irish in America ahead of taoiseach's visit
US President Donald Trump has hailed the impact of the Irish in America days ahead of Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin's visit to the White House to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday declaring March "Irish-American Heritage Month". March has been designated Irish-American Heritage Month every year since 1991, first by a law passed by Congress, and since 1997 by presidential proclamation. In the proclamation, Trump said the month will "commemorate the special bond of friendship between the United States and Ireland" and "honor the extraordinary contributions of Irish-American citizens past and present". Signing the proclamation, the president said the Irish were "great people", adding: "They voted for me in heavy numbers so I like them even more." The proclamation describes Irish-Americans as "some of the toughest, most driven, and most devoted people on the face of the Earth". "Their faith in God, love of family, and indelible commitment to our national promise continue to inspire citizens all across our country." It is a month dedicated to recognising the contribution of Irish immigrants and their descendents to American society. Every year, the US president issues a proclamation to mark the occasion. Cultural events, exhibits and other educational programmes take place each March to highlight the achievements of Irish-Americans. In the 19th and 20th centuries, millions of Irish immigrants moved from Ireland to the cities of Boston, Chicago, and New York "in hopes of a new frontier of opportunity and a better future for their families", the proclamation says. It emphasises that Irish-Americans have played "a crucial role" in the "great American story" by "courageously overcoming adversity and hardship to embolden our culture, enliven our spirit, and fortify our way of life". Irish-Americans have "fought for our freedom on the battlefield, served in our halls of government, and pioneered legendary businesses - leaving a lasting mark on their communities and our national identity", the proclamation continues. "The United States and Ireland also enjoy a long friendship strengthened by economic ties, a shared commitment to democracy, and the timeless values of faith, family, and freedom. "As my administration works to correct trade imbalances with the European Union, our historic relationship with Ireland presents an opportunity to advance fairer trade policies and stronger investment opportunities that benefit both nations." Traditionally politicians from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland take part in engagements in the US around St Patrick's Day. This usually culminates in the taoiseach (Irish prime minister) presenting a bowl of shamrock to the US president in the Oval Office. Martin's meeting with Trump is scheduled to take place on 12 March, five days before St Patrick's Day. Martin has said he will tell Trump that trade tariffs could cause damage to a "small open economy" like Ireland, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ. Irish PM 'delighted' by Trump's White House invite Sinn Féin to boycott White House St Patrick's Day celebrations Analysis: Sinn Féin St Patrick's Day move over Trump policy a gamble Why is the US president given a bowl of shamrock? Speaking to reporters in Dublin, Martin said that he "will give our perspective" on the issue at the White House. The taoiseach said there was "a two-way" nature to the economic relationship between Ireland and the United States and that he will listen to President Trump's perspective. The Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has confirmed she will also travel to Washington DC for the St Patrick's Day celebrations. However, Sinn Féin has said it will not attend the annual festivities over Trump's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Alliance Party leader Naomi Long told her party's annual conference they were "taking a stand" by not attending, and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Claire Hanna said her party would also decline an invitation. Irish PM 'delighted' by Trump's White House invite Trump's tariffs will harm citizens, says Irish PM Irish goods exports to US surge by 34% Why is the US president given a bowl of shamrock?
BBC News
07-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Donald Trump: US president declares March 'Irish-American Heritage Month'
US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation declaring March "Irish-American Heritage Month". In the proclamation, he said the month will "commemorate the special bond of friendship between the United States and Ireland" and "honor the extraordinary contributions of Irish-American citizens past and present".Signing the proclamation on Thursday, Trump said the Irish were "great people", adding: "They voted for me in heavy numbers so I like them even more."It comes ahead of Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin's visit to the White House to celebrate St Patrick's Day. The proclamation describes Irish-Americans as "some of the toughest, most driven, and most devoted people on the face of the Earth". "Their faith in God, love of family, and indelible commitment to our national promise continue to inspire citizens all across our country." 'A lasting mark' In the 19th and 20th centuries, millions of Irish immigrants moved from Ireland to the cities of Boston, Chicago, and New York "in hopes of a new frontier of opportunity and a better future for their families", the proclamation says. It emphasises that Irish-Americans have played "a crucial role" in the "great American story" by "courageously overcoming adversity and hardship to embolden our culture, enliven our spirit, and fortify our way of life". Irish-Americans have "fought for our freedom on the battlefield, served in our halls of government, and pioneered legendary businesses - leaving a lasting mark on their communities and our national identity", the proclamation continues."The United States and Ireland also enjoy a long friendship strengthened by economic ties, a shared commitment to democracy, and the timeless values of faith, family, and freedom."As my administration works to correct trade imbalances with the European Union, our historic relationship with Ireland presents an opportunity to advance fairer trade policies and stronger investment opportunities that benefit both nations." 'I will give our perspective' - Martin Traditionally politicians from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland take part in engagements in the US around St Patrick's usually culminates in the taoiseach (Irish prime minister) presenting a bowl of shamrock to the US president in the Oval meeting with Trump is scheduled to take place on 12 March, five days before St Patrick's has said he will tell Trump that trade tariffs could cause damage to a "small open economy" like Ireland, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ.Irish PM 'delighted' by Trump's White House inviteSinn Féin to boycott White House St Patrick's Day celebrationsAnalysis: Sinn Féin St Patrick's Day move over Trump policy a gambleWhy is the US president given a bowl of shamrock?Speaking to reporters in Dublin, Martin said that he "will give our perspective" on the issue at the White taoiseach said there was "a two-way" nature to the economic relationship between Ireland and the United States and that he will listen to President Trump's Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has confirmed she will also travel to Washington DC for the St Patrick's Day Sinn Féin has said it will not attend the annual festivities over Trump's stance on the Israel-Gaza Party leader Naomi Long told her party's annual conference they were "taking a stand" by not attending, and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Claire Hanna said her party would also decline an invitation.
