THE IRISH Taoiseach Micheál Martin has led the way in congratulating Joe Biden on his victory in the US election.
While votes are still being counted in some states, the Democrat candidate was announced as the winner after building up an unassailable lead over the incumbent Donald Trump.
Biden’s victory was secured after he was announced as the winner of the key swing state of Pennsylvania. Victory there put him over the crucial number of 270 electoral college votes required to win the Presidency.
The Taoiseach was among the first to congratulate Biden on his victory, describing the former Vice President as a "true friend" of Ireland and someone he was looking forward to working with and welcoming over to Ireland very soon.
"I want to congratulate the new President Elect of the USA," he wrote on Twitter,
"Joe Biden has been a true friend of this nation throughout his life and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead. I also look forward to welcoming him back home when the circumstances allow!"
I want to congratulate the new President Elect of the USA @JoeBiden Joe Biden has been a true friend of this nation throughout his life and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead. I also look forward to welcoming him back home when the circumstances allow! 🇮🇪 🇺🇸
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 7, 2020
Martin's sentiments were echoed by the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar who congratulated Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris.
He tweeted: "Our world needs American leadership and true American values. We know you can give it. Hope you can both make it to Ireland soon."
Congratulations @joebiden and @kamalaharris. Our world needs American leadership and true American values. We know you can give it. Hope you can both make it to Ireland soon ♥️🇮🇪🇺🇸 KamalaHarris
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) November 7, 2020
The leader of Leader of Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald also tweeted: "Chomhghairdeas @JoeBiden on an outstanding victory. History made with @KamalaHarris first woman VP. Congratulations to you both."
While Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Simon Coveney was similarly welcoming, tweeting: "Congratulations to @JoeBiden on becoming the 46th President elect of the #USA. We look forward to working with a #BidenHarris presidency to sustain & strengthen Irish American relations, and so much more."
Congratulations @KamalaHarris on making history with @JoeBiden - you have many friends outside of the #USA waiting to work with you to support American leadership on #multilateralism #Climate #Covid #IrishAmerica #PeaceBuilding #UNSC https://t.co/756lVlAOuX
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) November 7, 2020
Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science Simon Harris was similarly glowing, describing him as "a man of decency with deep Irish roots".
He also singled out Harris for praise.
"Congratulations Mr President-Elect -a man of decency with deep Irish roots," he wrote. "Great to see a Harris going to the White House with you!"
Congratulations Mr President-Elect -a man of decency with deep Irish roots. Great to see a Harris going to the White House with you!@KamalaHarris-1st female Vice President of the US. Historic moment & one I will tell my little girl all about. You can be whatever you want to be! pic.twitter.com/rn1hVmwapB
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) November 7, 2020
"1st female Vice President of the US," he continued. "Historic moment & one I will tell my little girl all about. You can be whatever you want to be!"
Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris on your well-deserved win.
London looks forward to working with you — it's time to get back to building bridges, not walls. 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/oZoCDvtT9v— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) November 7, 2020
