Speaker Johnson Hosts Annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon

March 15, 2024

Contact: Taylor Haulsee

Speaker Johnson Hosts Annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon

WASHINGTON — Today in the Rayburn Room in the U.S. Capitol, Speaker Johnson hosted President Biden and Taoiseach Varadkar for the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon, a St. Patrick’s Day tradition which started in 1983.

The event featured remarks from Speaker Johnson, President Biden, and Taoiseach Varadkar as well as a musical performance from Irish violinist Gregory Harrington and traditional Irish step dancing by the District Irish Dance Academy.

Among the attendees were members of the Friends of Ireland Caucus, including co-chairs Congressmen Richard Neal and Mike Kelly, and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin.

Following the luncheon, Speaker Johnson hosted Taoiseach Varadkar for a bilateral meeting to discuss the United States-Ireland relationship.

Click here to watch Speaker Johnson’s remarks

Read Speaker Johnson’s remarks below:

This lunch is a special event, as we noted earlier, because it’s a time when we come together here in Washington each year. What’s unique about it, what’s important I think is that we look past political differences for this moment in time and we remember the importance of peacemaking, and we celebrate the important friendship between our two countries – the United States and Ireland.

Today, we all welcome continued efforts to promote and preserve the Good Friday Agreement and promises of a bright future for ALL the friends of Ireland.

And certainly, at this time, in many ways our hearts are heavy in spite of the fun fellowship, because stability is being threatened in Europe and in the Middle East— and our allies and friends, such as Israel and Taiwan, continue to fight for their very right to exist. And I know everyone in this room is committed to the same thing –  we know we all must stand for national sovereignty and work for peace.

This is an important time for all of us to encourage a productive dialogue and mutual respect. And even when we may disagree on matters of politics and policy, which is inevitable, we should all appreciate traditions like this, an occasion for thoughtful discourse, where we can thoughtfully move beyond what Yates called “polite [but] meaningless words.”

When we do that, it restores trust among the people and renews faith in our institutions. I think all of us know we that need that desperately right now.

So today, I’m happy that we’re able to showcase the Irish spirit of charity, humor, and friendship that flows through your children, and through my children, and all the children of the friends of Ireland.

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