Enda Kenny congratulates Donald Trump; Gerry Adams says the US people have spoken
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has congratulated Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States.
In a statement, he said: “On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I am pleased to offer our sincere congratulations to Donald J. Trump on his election as the 45th President of the United States.
“Ireland and the United States have enjoyed a very close and warm relationship for many generations and I am confident that under his leadership our bilateral relations will continue to prosper.”
He spared a thought for Hillary Clinton, described as “a friend to Ireland who fought such a tough campaign”.
Referring to global relations and specifically to immigration reform, the Taoiseach said: “We are all acutely conscious of the particular responsibility of the United States for leadership and engagement across the globe in our endeavours to address shared challenges. I look forward to working with the new administration in the time ahead in the cause of international peace and security.
“I also intend to work closely with the new Administration and newly elected United States Congress to pursue comprehensive immigration reform, an issue that is so important to tens of thousands of Irish people who are making a major contribution to America.”
The Taoiseach also referred to Mr Trump’s running mate Mike Pence, saying: “The Vice President-elect is a proud Irish American who spent many summers in Ireland as a child.”
The statement concludes: "The Government looks forward to working closely with our new colleagues in the White House. In the meantime, the Government will continue to engage actively and constructively with the administration of President Obama, until he completes his term on January 20."
Speaking to TV3 this morning Mr Kenny said he does not believe Donald Trump winning the election will be a problem for Ireland, saying the strong relationship between the two countries will continue.
He added he intends to call Mr Trump this morning to offer his congratulations.
Other Irish political leaders have also given their reaction to Mr Trump’s shock victory.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said we have to deal with the fact that the people in the US have spoken, whatever we think about the outcome.
Mr Adams said we have to work with Donald Trump and continue the focus on the peace process and the plight of the undocumented Irish.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have expressed hope that the North's long-standing relationship with the US would be strengthened during Mr Trump's time at the White House.
"I congratulate Donald Trump on his historic election as the 45th President of the United States of America," said Democratic Unionist leader Mrs Foster.
"We are a small region but we are fortunate to have strong historical, economic and political ties to the United States.
"Northern Ireland has developed a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and I look forward to working with Donald Trump's administration to continue this.
"As our largest inward investor the United States plays a massive role in our economic progress."
Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said: "I congratulate Donald Trump on his election victory.
"I will work constructively with President Trump to maintain and strengthen our well established and deeply valued relationship with the United States.
"Over many years successive US administrations have made a major contribution to both our peace process and economic development and I expect this to continue.
"I commiserate with Hillary Clinton who showed unwavering commitment to the north of Ireland as Secretary of State and First Lady."
