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LOCALS IN Ballina, JOE Biden’s ancestral home, are celebrating his election as President of the United States.
The Democrat became president-elect this afternoon after securing the state of Pennsylvania, granting him the required 270 votes in the electoral college.
Ballina has adorned herself with the famous Stars and Stripes in anticipation of her success.
Ballina local Joe Blewitt, Biden’s cousin, praised the president-elect’s approach compared to Donald Trump’s.
“Joe Biden is talking about policy, he is meeting with all the health officials and he is preparing a plan,” Blewitt said.
“The other man is still talking about himself. That was always the case with him. It wasn’t about the people, it was about himself. “
Blewitt, a heating and plumbing contractor, was invited to the White House in 2017, when Biden received the Congressional Medal of Honor from then-President Barack Obama.
He hopes to be able to do it again for the opening.
He said, “Hopefully we can come back in January.”
The pair are also in regular contact, with Blewitt commenting: “They are solid, they are good people and he is a very nice guy. It’s good to talk to him. “
The festival atmosphere in Ballina on Saturday was a mark of how much Biden’s victory means to the city.
“He was here when he was vice president and the hype when he was here last time was incredible. They are so proud of him.
“Now he will be the president of the United States, they are delighted, absolutely delighted. To think that one of their own is one of the most powerful men in the world, ”Blewitt said.
Businesses across the city, many of them closed due to lockdown restrictions, were all decked out with American banners and signs, while locals sipped champagne to celebrate.
It was especially sweet for Beryl McCrainey Slevin, a California native who has lived in Ballina for over 15 years.
His hope is that Biden can reunite his homeland after four years of division under Trump.
Beryl McCrainey Slevin
Source: PA
She said, “I have a lot, a lot of hope. I hope that after these elections we can really work on building alliances with everyone in the country.
“We are all Americans and America’s ideals are so important globally that I think it’s really important that we come together once again as a nation and continue the work of building the American dream for all.
She added: “For me personally, it will restore dignity to the White House. Hopefully, it will bring about the necessary changes in terms of the systemic racial problems that we are having and have historically had in America.
“I also strongly believe that Joe Biden is in place now that he is ready to do some serious judicial reform, a nationwide police reform.”
He met Biden when he visited Ballina while he was serving as vice president and is awaiting his return.
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“The town just went crazy. It was so exciting having him here. Everyone was out, the children were out, the schoolchildren met the plane in Knock.
“Really for all of Co Mayo it was incredible, but especially for Ballina. You feel like it’s one of us, it’s one of us, ”he said.
She added: “They were warm and wonderful people. I am excited for the city and the future of the city.
“I’m excited for America, even though I live here. It is my country of birth and you always want the best for home. Absolutely a double win. “
Meanwhile, Joe Blewitt does not rule out the possibility of a Joe Biden plaza in Ballina, similar to the one built in Moneygall to honor Barack Obama when he visited his ancestral home.
“Yes, we have messages coming in now, where are we going to put them? It’s great fun, ”he said.
Biden’s great-great-grandfather Edward Blewit emigrated from the city nearly 200 years ago, having worked as a brick maker and civil engineer helping map Ireland.
Ten of his 16 great-great-grandparents were also born in Ireland.
Local artists Smiler Mitchell and Leslie Lackey recently created a Biden mural, which overlooks the main square of the old market.
After the inauguration, Biden vowed to revisit the city if he wins the election.
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