Brendan Smith on Biden, the Good Friday Agreement and Special Envoy
Deputy Brendan Smith welcomed President Biden's unequivocal support for the Good Friday Agreement and warned that Brexit must not damage the agreement's workings. He urged consideration of reinstating a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland and asked whether the Taoiseach had raised the issue with President Biden.
US support and the Good Friday Agreement
Deputy Brendan Smith highlighted President Biden's strong interest in Ireland and his ongoing, unequivocal support for the Good Friday Agreement. He said the President has repeatedly outlined the agreement's importance to Ireland, Britain, Europe and the United States.
Congressional concern and political signals
Smith noted that both houses of the US Congress have passed motions expressing concern about Brexit and emphasising particular interest in protecting the Good Friday Agreement. He referenced the history of senior US figures engaging on Northern Ireland, including Senator George Mitchell's past role as US Special Envoy.
Brexit, the protocol and trade implications
He warned that Brexit must not damage any aspect of the Good Friday Agreement or its workings and stressed the importance of the protocol in the trade arrangements between the UK and the European Union as part of that discussion.
Restoring a US Special Envoy
Deputy Smith proposed reinstating a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland to demonstrate continued US commitment and to act as an additional conduit for political, economic, social and trade relations. He argued the appointment would reinforce bilateral engagement.
Taoiseach's reply on engagement with the US Administration
The Taoiseach responded that President Biden has been consistent in stressing the imperative of protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the importance of the protocol. He said the idea of restoring a US Special Envoy has merit, that the role had lapsed for some time, and that they will continue to engage with the President and the Administration on the matter.
We publish thousands of recordings to make Irish politics transparent and resistant to manipulation. Spotted an error? Report it — together we are building a reliable archive of Irish politics.
As a country, we welcome President Biden's strong interest in our country, and particularly his ongoing and unequivocal support for the Good Friday Agreement. He has taken every opportunity to outline the importance of this international agreement and its significance, not just to our country, Britain and Europe, but also to the United States. President Biden and other senior political figures have continually given a message to the British Government that Brexit must not damage any aspect of the Good Friday Agreement or its workings. The Congress has passed motions in both houses, clearly stating their concerns about Brexit and their particular interest in the Good Friday Agreement as well. In the past, very eminent personnel, such as Senator George Mitchell, held the post of US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. I would just like to know if the Taoiseach has raised this particular issue with President Biden. I believe such an appointment of a Special Envoy will continue to show the US commitment to Northern Ireland and to also act as an additional conduit for bilateral relations on a political, economic, social and trade basis. Thank you, Ikean Corder. Thank you, Deputy Smith. First of all, Deputy Smith raised the issue of our conversation with President Biden that I had in relation to the Good Friday Agreement. And the President has been very consistent in all my conversations with him on the imperative of protecting the Good Friday Agreement. And also that in terms of the protocol and the importance of the protocol in terms of the trade agreement between the UK and the European Union. You have referenced the idea of restoring the Special Envoy to Northern Ireland from the United States. I think that that has merit and that is something we will continue to engage with the President and the Administration on. I think that had lapsed for quite a time and it is something that needs to be reflected on. But I think overall your points of merit. Thank you.
Thank you for downloading 🙏
If you publish this material on social media, we would be very grateful if you tagged VideoParliament. It helps us reach more people and keep building a transparent archive of Irish politics.
