Micheál Martin has formally congratulated new US President Joe Biden, hailing him as “one of us."
The Taoiseach also paid extended warm wishes to Kamala Harris, the first woman to be elected Vice President of the United States.
Mr Martin reminded President Biden of his Irish family links and said the new leader’s story is the “one of Irish America."
The Taoiseach said: “On behalf of the government and people of Ireland, I wish to offer my heartfelt congratulations to President Joe Biden on his inauguration.
“The inauguration of a new US President is a moment of hope and renewal in US political life.
“As he takes the oath-of-office, I know that President Biden will feel the weight of history – the presence of his Irish ancestors who left Mayo and Louth in famine times in search of life and hope.
“He will remember their descendants’ hard struggle as they made their way in and their contribution to the United States. It is the story of Irish-America.
“I hope he will also be conscious of the great pride we in Ireland take in his immense achievement. He is one of us, part of our global family.
“I look forward to welcoming President Biden back to this island and deepening co-operation on global peace, climate change, economic partnership and stability.
“I also wish to pay tribute to Vice President Kamala Harris, who has created history today, and who will help form a diverse and formidable administration.
“I believe Ireland can be a bridge-builder between the United States and the European Union as we all share common values in securing democracy, peace and economic development
“I am enormously heartened that among his first actions in office will be a re-commitment of the US to the Paris Agreement on climate, and a resetting of the relationship with Europe.
“The challenges of our shared world - and the issues that Joe Biden will face as President – can only be overcome if like-minded leaders come together to tackle them."
