Congressman Brendan Boyle (left) meeting with Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty in Washington recently. Also pictured is Congressman Richard Neal.
By Ray O’Hanlon
Congressman Brendan Boyle wants President Trump to raise Ireland with British Prime Minister Theresa May when the two leaders meet in Washington, D.C. today.
Specifically, the Philadelphia Democrat has asked the president to focus on the Good Friday Agreement in the context of Brexit.
The British leader is the first overseas head of government to meet with President Trump since his inauguration a week ago.
In a letter to the president, Congressman Boyle - who joined about sixty fellow Democrats in not attending the inauguration – stated that he was writing with regard to the meeting with May and the importance of the GFA being included in the discussion.
Wrote Boyle, who is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee: “Obviously the two of you have no shortage of important issues to discuss, including future trade relations, the importance of NATO, the conflict in Syria and the global fight against terrorism.
“However, I strongly suggest that you also discuss the implications of Brexit, not just on the United States, but also the Good Friday Agreement.
“Successive U.S. Administrations have viewed the agreement as the best framework for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. The Brexit vote seriously jeopardizes this important accomplishment, and the stability of the region.”
Boyle stated that after thirty years of political conflict, the Good Friday Agreement was one of the greatest diplomatic success stories of the 20th century.
“While problems still persist,” he wrote, “Northern Ireland has made considerable progress in the years since ‘the Troubles’ that took the lives of almost 3,500 people.
“As the son of an Irish immigrant and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Friends of Ireland Caucus and the Congressional United Kingdom Caucus, I cannot overstate the important role the United States played in the peace process that brought about the Agreement and reconciliation that followed.
“It is imperative that your administration continue this important support and involvement, and advocate for maintaining the Agreement as the Prime Minister oversees the political transition ahead.
Brexit has the potential to unravel the peace and stability finally achieved under the Good Friday Agreement unless the United Kingdom stands firm in protecting several important rights during the negotiation process with the European Union.
“Today, people travel freely between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to work, shop and visit family and friends.
“Many cannot even tell where the border stands.
“Given the role immigration and open borders had in fueling the Brexit vote, there is a real concern that there may soon be a return to a hard border between the two nations; the United Kingdom’s only land border.
“This would entail signage, police presence, customs checks and visa requirements – a stark reminder of the Troubles that could reignite sectarian tensions and violence.
“Finally, I must also stress the importance of human rights and continued funding for the peace process.
“Prime Minister May has indicated her intention to withdraw the United Kingdom from the European Convention on Human Rights.
“It is essential that the United Kingdom remain committed to minority rights, a staple of the Good Friday Agreement.
“Additionally, the European Union is a major source of funding for peace-building in Northern Ireland. It is critical that the UK Treasury fill this upcoming void by guaranteeing payments for such projects.”
Congressman Boyle concluded: “Mr. President, as a proud Irish-American that cares deeply about peace and stability in Northern Ireland and the commitment of the United States to the Good Friday Agreement, I respectfully request that you discuss these concerns with Prime Minister May and seek the commitment of the United Kingdom to these matters.
“I look forward to working with you toward this end.”
