Nancy Pelosi visits Dublin, speaks in Dail Eireann and meets Bono.

[OnDoutside]

US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi has addressed TDs, senators and former politicians in the Dáil as part of centenary celebrations. Ms Pelosi was invited to speak in Leinster House today by Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghail. The Speaker told the Dáil that she is deeply honoured by her welcome to Ireland, "a beautiful and magical land". She recalled the visit of US president John F Kennedy, who told the Dáil that while Ireland and the US were divided by distance, they were united in history.

Mr Ó Fearghail told her that her reputation went before her as an "erudite speaker". During his introduction, he thanked her for the US contribution to the peace process and support as Ireland potentially faces the implications of a difficult Brexit. Ms Pelosi said both Ireland and the US "know the joy of independence" and both "endured the traumatic experience of civil war and the satisfaction of rebuilding our nations".

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She also paid tribute to the contribution of the Irish in the US, recalling that the Irish served in the Lincoln army to "perserve the Union and save our nation".

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She also expressed her support for Ireland's bid for a seat on the UN Security Council. The Speaker and delegation will attend a reception in Dublin Castle this evening, which will be hosted by the Taoiseach. Leo Varadkar has described the visit as evidence of the deep and historic ties between Ireland and the US. Ms Pelosi is part of a delegation of high-ranking US politicians on a two-day fact-finding mission to Ireland. The delegation includes several members of the Friends of Ireland caucus, including Congressman Richie Neal.

https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2019/0417/1043088-nancy-pelosi-ireland/