AP Photo/Alex Brandon President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval Office of the White House, on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Washington. Two hundred fifty years ago, the United Stated of America declared its independence. For Ireland, this is not simply an American anniversary, it is part of our own story, indicative of our shared history. From the very beginning, Irish women and men believed in the ideals of that Declaration. Today, that belief remains strong.
Ireland’s own journey toward independence was inspired by the American Declaration of Independence. Robert Emmet, the Irish republican leader, said he wished to secure for Ireland “the guarantee which Washington procured for America.” Our own 1916 Proclamation recognized the support of Ireland’s “exiled children in America.”
In more recent times, the U.S. played a decisive role in supporting peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement, which ended thirty years of conflict in Northern Ireland, stands as one of the greatest achievements of our shared history. American engagement was bipartisan, sustained and indispensable.
Today, Ireland and the U.S. share one of the world’s most dynamic relationships — economically, culturally, and politically. Ireland is the fifth largest foreign investor in America. Irish companies have created more than 200,000 American jobs, across many sectors and many states.
The U.S.-Ireland economic relationship is vital to powering the technologies that will define our future. From advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to technology, aviation leasing and renewable energy, Irish enterprise is powering American progress. Through major investments and strong partnerships, Irish companies are strengthening U.S. competitiveness in AI, advanced manufacturing, and the data infrastructure of tomorrow’s world.
Last March I visited Philadelphia, a place many identify as the birthplace of America. Taking a moment in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall, I reflected on the ideas formed in this quiet chamber which went on to change the world. I thought about how far both our nations have travelled, often in the face of adversity, sometimes against the odds, but always in pursuit of opportunity.
Back then, at the birth of our nations, the world must have seemed a turbulent place. Today, while we still face significant geopolitical challenges, we can draw on the strong partnerships we have with others to work together to tackle these challenges, and work towards our common goals for a more peaceful world.
Ireland has always deeply valued our partnership with the United States and the European Union in standing up for our interests and promoting our shared values. Ireland assumed the Presidency of the EU on 1 July. We fundamentally believe that the relationship between the United States and European Union is a global force for good. Every day more than $4.5 billion dollars’ worth of goods and services cross the Atlantic between the US and EU. We will work closely with the United States and our European partners to advance this vibrant and vital relationship.
We believe that economic prosperity is what enables the European Union to succeed and to remain prosperous, but we need to improve our ability to compete on the global stage. Ireland has a strong pro-enterprise culture and our presidency will advance European competitiveness, including by simplifying regulation for businesses and citizens.
At the core of our EU Presidency is an old Irish proverb which, translated to English, states that “there is no strength without unity.” It is a saying that could equally apply to the founding of the United States, and the secret to its success over the last 250 years.
Ireland today is a confident, innovative, outward-looking and ambitious European nation. We value our membership of the European Union, our global partnerships, and our friendship with the United States.
The strongest partnerships do not require agreement on every issue but are measured by trust and shared purpose that endures, even in times of differences. On this Fourth of July, on America’s 250th, we reflect on the phrase on the Great Seal of the United States, advocated for by Irishman Charles Thompson: “E pluribus unum” — “out of many, one.” That simple but powerful idea helped build a nation and will continue to guide our partnership ahead.
Michael Martin is prime minister of the Republic of Ireland.
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