Lyons – Ulster’s ties with the US stronger than ever
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has hailed the enduring links between Northern Ireland and the United States and the increased focus this St Patrick's Day on the contribution of people from Ulster.
The Minister was speaking as he travelled to the US for a series of engagements to promote Northern Ireland ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence.
Speaking about his trip, the Minister said:
“Our links with the US are stronger than ever, through trade, tourism, cultural and educational exchange, and more.
“In this semiquincentennial year we have a special opportunity to tell the story of the remarkable contribution that people from Ulster played in founding the United States and shaping its values.”
The Minister will firstly attend and speak at Georgia Southern University to mark the influential role people of Ulster-Scots heritage played in establishing communities in the region and the events surrounding the signing of the Declaration, as well as the ongoing influence of the Ulster-Scots tradition on the state of Georgia.
The Minister continued:
“It will be an honour and privilege to speak so that the voice of Northern Ireland is heard as I address attendees at Georgia Southern University along with my ministerial counterpart from the Republic, Patrick O’Donovan.
“The work that I have been doing to raise awareness of the impact of the Ulster-Scots is bearing fruit and the fact that the institution is hosting a gathering of academic leaders, public officials, and members of the diplomatic and business communities is testament to that. This focus on the Scots-Irish speaks to the growing awareness of, and continuing respect held for, the positive impact made by people of Ulster in that part of the world.
The Minister will then travel to Washington, DC where he will attend a series of events on St Patrick’s Day before jointly hosting a prestigious reception with the America250 Commission in the Senate.
Minister Lyons continued:
“I look forward to attending the Northern Ireland Bureau breakfast, Friends of Ireland Speaker’s Luncheon and the White House reception along with some of my Executive colleagues.
“For such a small place, we enjoy disproportionate access to the administration in Washington and we must maximise the opportunity this presents to promote Northern Ireland and our unique history and offering.
“This is why I secured special status for Northern Ireland with the America250 Commission so that we can further deepen and galvanise the natural affinity between our nations as we mark this most special of anniversaries.”
The Minister will also carry out visits and engagements with the UK Ambassador to the United States and with Historic Royal Palaces, before visiting the National Archives and Library of Congress with Northern Ireland’s US Consul General James Applegate.
Concluding, the Minister said:
“I look forward to building on established connections, and making new ones, during my visit and telling the story of Northern Ireland’s powerful and unique contribution, and our continuing mutually beneficial relationship with the US.”
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured at the Library of Congress on his visit to Washington DC last year.
- For media enquiries please contact the Press Office via email.
- Follow the Department on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.