New Jersey businessman Edward Walsh appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Thursday as part of the process that will send him to Ireland as the new United States Ambassador.
And while the discussion focused on a renewed diplomatic relationship between nations that are longtime friends and allies, the currently sharp divergence between Washington and Dublin in the matter of recognizing a Palestinian state also came into sharp relief during the hearing.
Committee chairman, Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) in his opening remarks said: “Mr. Walsh, the U.S. and Ireland share important common interests. Ireland serves as a gateway for the critical telecom infrastructure linking Europe and the United States, and with this strategic position comes significant responsibility to address the very real threats to it. I’ve previously called for Ireland to increase its defense spending to safeguard vital undersea cables from our shared enemies, and I hope you will address this with your Irish counterparts.
“Additionally, as you know, Ireland has recognized a Palestinian state. This recognition fails to acknowledge actual conditions on the ground and worse, the horrific attack against Israel on 7 October. This is a mistake by Ireland. Until Hamas is destroyed, a Palestinian state seems exceptionally unlikely.
"Calls for statehood fail to recognize that Israel can no longer tolerate terrorists in Gaza or in Lebanon. For too long these groups have been a dagger pointed at the heart of Jerusalem and must be destroyed. I hope you will ensure that our friends in Ireland will understand that America strongly supports Israel.
“I also look forward to hearing how you will continue the United States’ historic role in implementing the Good Friday Agreement."
Ranking member Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire asked this of Mr. Walsh: "Ireland has been the target of tariffs by this administration. Tariffs on Ireland not only raise prices for American consumers and businesses, but they undermine the delicate balance of peace that was made possible by the Good Friday Agreement. If confirmed, I’d like to hear how you’ll work to maintain this successful peace agreement."
Walsh, in response in part to the matter of Irish recognition of a Palestinian state, stated: "It certainly is a topic that we're going to be discussing for a long time, and I am really looking forward to getting really a detailed brief on all the issues relevant to this.
"But I do know that President Trump's been very clear, along with many of you, that Ireland is an ally and there's no room for antisemitism throughout the world.
"It definitely will be a big part of my conversations with them and I do look forward to that. But, I hear you, be glad to meet with you on it, I'll meet with you again on it if you want to, and hopefully when you come over, we'll meet and even have other meetings if you would like."
"I do understand the issue, but I'm really looking forward to really diving into more of the detail."
In advance of questions by senators Mr. Walsh delivered a statement which included a reference to the Good Friday Agreement.
It read: "Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen, Members of the Committee: It is an honor to come before you today as the nominee for the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. I am deeply humbled by the confidence placed in me by President Trump in this nomination.
"If confirmed, I am committed to representing our country to protect, promote, and advance our interests in Ireland. Throughout my career, I have been guided by a strong commitment to the American people and the principles at the foundation of our nation. In building my company from the ground up in New Jersey, I have seen firsthand what we can achieve when we commit to three noble goals: diligence, fairness, and dignity.
"I have had the privilege of being involved in several nonprofit organizations in my community and those three principles have guided me there, as well. If confirmed, those principles will be the bedrock of my role as Ambassador and our mission in Ireland. Ireland holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans, including my own.
"The bonds between our two nations are woven from the threads of shared history, culture, and values. I hail from New Jersey, where more than a million people can trace their ancestry back to Ireland. Ten percent of our entire country has Irish heritage. As Ambassador, I will work to honor and strengthen these enduring ties, fostering a relationship that is as resilient as it is dynamic.
"One of my foremost priorities will be to enhance the economic partnership between the United States and Ireland. Our bilateral trade and investment partnership is vital to the prosperity of both nations. Ireland has a population of five million people, yet it is the sixth largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States.
"If confirmed, I will endeavor to make that framework deliver even more for Americans. I will strive to support American enterprises and facilitate Irish investment in the United States.
"By championing innovation, entrepreneurship, and a fair shot for U.S. companies, we can forge a path to shared economic success and even greater prosperity. In addressing the global challenges of our time, Ireland has been a steadfast partner.
"We work in lockstep on issues ranging from defense to health. I look forward to working together to advance our common interests and goals and uphold the values we hold dear. The rich tapestry of our shared heritage is a testament to the enduring friendship between our peoples.
"I am committed to expanding the cultural and educational exchanges that built the bedrock of these long-standing and enduring people-topeople connections. By promoting academic collaborations, cultural initiatives, and tourism, we can further strengthen the bonds of understanding and goodwill that unite us and achieve even greater things together.
"Last year, we celebrated 100 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland. The year before, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. And still, there is much work to be done.
"I would be grateful to begin our next century of partnership with Ireland, and set us on a path that rewards diligence, fairness, and dignity. I am fortunate that there is longstanding, broad, bipartisan support for our interests in Ireland.
"If confirmed, I will work to continue the long tradition of bipartisanship, not only when we exchange shamrocks in March, but throughout the year. I am also fortunate that I can exercise diplomacy from the green lawns of Ireland’s golf courses. Chairman, Ranking Member, and Members of the Committee, I am deeply honored by this nomination and the opportunity to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. I stand ready to answer any questions you may have."
Mr. Walsh is expected to pass muster with both the Foreign Relations Committee and the full Senate after which he will be bound for the U.S. ambassador's residence in the Phoenix Park.
