Joe Biden visit latest: US president to wrap up Ireland trip with visit to ancestral home

Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland will “build on the foundations” that exist between the countries and strengthen ties in a divisive world, Dara Calleary, Ireland’s minister of state for enterprise, trade and employment, has said.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Calleary said Ballina was “bursting with pride this evening” and it was good to see the town get the recognition it deserves.

He also said he earlier had the honour of welcoming Mr Biden at Knock Airport and the president was “incredibly excited” about the trip.

The Irish politician went on to say Mr Biden’s “message of unity” was very important at this present time.

“We live in a very challenging world and it is important that where we have friendships, where we have a community of countries, such as the USA and Ireland, that we strengthen the community links,” he said.

“Tonight is a community celebrating one of its most famous sons as we are doing in Ballina.

“The community between America and Ireland, between America and the EU and America and the UK is extremely strong but it needs to be strong in this very divisive world.

“This visit will build on those strengths and build on those foundations that are already there.”