Tánaiste Michael Martin has dismissed statements by former DUP leader Arlene Foster that US President Joe Biden “hates the UK”.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Martin said he was “very surprised” by Ms Foster’s comments and said the word hate was not something he associated with President Biden.
Mr Martin said it was wrong for Ms Foster to suggest so, as Mr Biden often refers to his British heritage and his great-uncle, who served in the British Navy.
Following Ms Foster’s comments, the White House also insisted Mr Biden was not anti-British, reports RTE.
Speaking to GB News Channel on Tuesday, Ms Foster said there was no doubt Mr Biden “hates the United Kingdom”.
Mr Biden, who is very proud of his Irish heritage, was also criticized by senior DUP MP Sammy Wilson, who claimed the President “has got a record of being pro-republican, anti-unionist, anti-British”, reports RTE.
Mr Martin said President Biden has been working “strongly” with the UK government on global issues such as Ukraine and COP26.
Mr. Martin said: “With all that’s happening in the world today, war in Ukraine and climate change existential challenge, the sense of nations being committed to a value system is very important. He focused a lot on values and peace,” reports RTE.
Mr Biden said in his address to the Oireachtas yesterday that “peace is precious” and suggested Britain should work with Ireland to support Northern Ireland.
Mr Martin said he viewed President Biden’s message as “one of everyone to work closely together”, reports RTE.
Discussing Stormont’s reinstatement, he said there had been a lot of speculation but that President Biden found “the balance right in his speech”, reports RTE.
Mr Martin also discussed the problem of the undocumented Irish in the US, saying the problem had to be solved “once and for all”.
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