Taoiseach Micheál Martin has compared the historic election of our first woman President, Mary Robinson, with the recent victory of US Vice President, Kamala Harris.
And he evoked President Robinson’s quote from that time over 30 years ago when she said that the women of Ireland had gone from “rocking the cradle to rocking the system” in electing her.
Mr Martin met the new deputy to President Joe Biden virtually as part of the annual St Patrick’s Day diplomatic mission.
The Taoiseach and Vice President met students of a new Fredrick Douglass scholarship programme named after the famous early American civil rights leader who visited Ireland.
Vice President Harris said: “I also greatly look forward to meeting some brilliant young people with you later - the first class of Frederick Douglass Global Fellows to visit Ireland, following in the footsteps of the great abolitionist 175 years ago.
“I look forward to our discussions, but, most of all, I am delighted to have this opportunity to get to know you and to wish you a very happy St Patrick’s Day.
Mr Martin said: “Alongside President Biden, your own election, Madame Vice President, has written history at many levels.
“As you have said, you may be the first woman in your role, but you will not be the last.
“I hope, Madame Vice President, that I will have the opportunity to welcome you to Ireland too during your time as Vice President.
“You know the ties between our nations are rich and deep.”
