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ANCESTRY
Biden’s ancestry is never far from his lips, leading to accusations among Northern Irish unionists that his visit to the Emerald Isle is unabashed campaigning ahead of a re-election run.
“The relative strength of Irish-Americans as a percentage of all Americans is dropping steadily, but Ireland retains an outsized influence on the US,” said Coilin Parsons, director of global Irish studies at Washington’s Georgetown University.
“From music to literature and more, Irish culture has always found an eager public in the US, and not just among Irish-Americans,” he told AFP.
Ahead of his speech, Biden will meet Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Leo Varadkar – whom he welcomed to the White House for St Patrick’s Day last month, when the White House fountain ran emerald green.
After the remarks, Varadkar will host a banquet in Biden’s honour at Dublin Castle, the ancient seat of English and British rule in Ireland.
Before jetting home on Friday, Biden will head to Ballina in County Mayo, northwestern Ireland, another jumping-off point for ancestors who emigrated to Pennsylvania.
Biden still counts relatives living in the area, including Joe Blewitt, a third cousin, who works as a plumber.
“It’s emotional, it’s a very proud day for our family and for Ireland,” Blewitt, 43, told AFP. “Ballina’s very special to him.”
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