US PRESIDENT Joe Biden could return to his ancestral home of Ireland this summer as part of a stop-off on his way to the G7 summit in Cornwall.
The Irish-American leader is set to visit England and Belgium this June as part of a trip designed to strengthen US relations with both the UK and Europe.
The visit will mark Biden’s first international trip since taking up residency in the White House.
While the chief focus for the US President will be the G7 summit in Cornwall on June 11th and the NATO Summit on June 14th in the Belgian capital, officials have refused to rule out a visit to Ireland.
Biden has spoken frequently of his Irish root sand ancestors in Mayo and Louth.
When previously asked by Micheál Martin to visit Ireland, the President told the Taoiseach to “try and keep me out” once Covid-19 restrictions had been lifted.
With Ireland continuing to gradually ease its way out of lockdown, a June visit could be on the cards.
Joe Biden in March 2021 (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki refused to be drawn on whether a visit to Ireland was part of the President’s plans though she did say other stops on the trip could be announced in the future.
“This trip will highlight his commitment to restoring our alliances, revitalising the Transatlantic relationship, and working in close cooperation with out allies and multilateral partners to address global challenges and better secure America’s interests," she wrote in an official White House press release.
“While in Brussels, President Biden will participate in a U.S. – EU Summit, which will underscore our commitment to a strong Transatlantic partnership based on shared interests and values.”
“The leaders will discuss a common agenda to ensure global health security, stimulate global economic recovery, tackle climate change, enhance digital and trade cooperation, strengthen democracy, and address mutual foreign policy concerns.”
Biden is the first Irish-American Catholic President to take office since the late, great, John F. Kennedy, who made several notable visits to Ireland during his time in office.
