US VICE-PRESIDENT Mike Pence is reportedly set to visit Ireland this summer.
According to The Irish Times, Pence’s visit will see him meet with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar while a meeting with President Michael D. Higgins is also being considered.
The trip will mark the Vice President’s first trip to the Emerald Isle in an official capacity.
An Evangelical Christian, Pence also boasts strong Irish heritage through his maternal grandfather who emigrated to the US from Tubbercurry in Co Sligo.
Additionally, his mother’s side of the family hails from Doonbeg in Co Clare.
Writing on Twitter this July 4th, Pence opened up further about his family’s Irish origins.
On April 11, 1923 an Irish immigrant named Richard Michael Cawley stepped onto Ellis Island and began our family’s story in America. Because he had the courage and faith in America that is displayed in all of you, that’s how Michael Richard Pence became Vice President of the US. pic.twitter.com/bIcCwAZJRB
— Vice President Mike Pence Archived (@VP45) July 4, 2019
“On April 11, 1923 an Irish immigrant named Richard Michael Cawley stepped onto Ellis Island and began our family’s story in America,” he wrote.
“Because he had the courage and faith in America that is displayed in all of you, that’s how Michael Richard Pence became Vice President of the US.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar previously hinted that Pence was planning a trip to Ireland very soon, telling reporters at a St Patricks’ Day event that he was already looking forward to hosting him.
