During a series of events and diplomatic engagements in the United States spanning from March 13 to March 15, 2024, key Irish political figures expressed their concerns and opinions on a variety of global issues.

Ireland’s Culture Minister, Catherine Martin, voiced her deep concerns over the situation in Gaza, condemning the violence and calling for an immediate end to hostilities. Speaking at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Texas amidst criticism for attending due to the festival’s ties with the US Army and support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Martin reassured Irish musicians of her stance against the ongoing devastation. She appealed for peace and urged the US to contribute to these efforts, underlining Ireland’s dedication to resolving the crisis. Martin’s participation in the festival also included discussions on Ireland’s Basic Income For The Arts pilot.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, during his trip to the United States which included Boston, Washington, and a meeting with the Capital Pride Alliance in Washington DC, addressed a range of issues from the conflict in Gaza, trade relations between Ireland and the US, to concerns over rising homophobia and transphobia globally. Varadkar’s comments on Gaza, aimed at highlighting the hardships faced by Palestinian civilians, sparked scrutiny over his choice of words though he denied softening his stance on the issue. Varadkar advocated for a ceasefire, emphasized the importance of US involvement in defending Ukrainian democracy against Russian aggression, and called for a united stance against discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community, noting troubling trends in rising homophobia and transphobia.

Additionally, Varadkar highlighted the deep and beneficial trade relationship between Ireland and the US, advocating for good trade agreements and openness in trade relations. He planned to press US President Joe Biden for support in securing a ceasefire in Gaza and to express gratitude for American support for Ukraine, indicating the critical implications of these issues for NATO and European stability. His visit included significant meetings with US officials, including President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson, with the continuation of the tradition of gifting a bowl of shamrock for St. Patrick’s Day. Varadkar used this platform to emphasize the strong bond between Ireland and the US and the importance of their key diplomatic and trade relations.