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The president of the United States should be invited to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day as part of efforts to boost Ireland’s tourism industry, the Dáil has been told.
With an election later this year, incumbent Donald Trump or challenger and former Vice President Joe Biden will be in the Oval Office in 2022.
That’s when Clare TD Joe Carey suggests that the next president should come here for Ireland’s national holiday.
His suggestion came as the Dáil tonight discussed measures to protect jobs and support businesses amid the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy.
Traditionally, the Taoiseach has traveled to Washington DC for Saint Patrick’s celebrations, an annual mission that is seen as an important opportunity to lobby American politicians on Irish issues.
Fine Gael TD Mr Carey pointed to the Wild Atlantic Way and The Gathering tourism initiatives after the last recession and suggested that a similar marketing campaign could be built to encourage visitors to Ireland around the centenary of Irish independence in 2022.
He said: “We could start by inviting the President of the United States to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, landing at Shannon Airport, of course.”
He also spoke of the need for supports for the tourism, aviation and entertainment industries that have been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Carey said 12,000 jobs depend on tourism in Clare and 8,800 are at risk due to the economic crisis that has seen the industry take a hit of 200 million euros this year.
He said a government support package for airlines should protect connectivity between Shannon, Heathrow and the United States.
He said options for Covid-19 testing prior to departure and arrivals should be explored and incorporated into Ireland’s travel plans, especially for transatlantic routes.
Online editors
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