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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
David Kent

St Patrick's Day: Joe Biden's hilarious comments to the BBC that endeared him to all of Ireland

While the Taoiseach won't be able to meet President Joe Biden in person on St Patrick's Day, the leader of the US has already endeared himself to Ireland.

Biden famously has links to these shores, and has always been hugely popular figure for Irish people, being a self proclaimed Irish man and always having time to speak about the Emerald Isle.

One one side, Biden's great-great grandfather, Owen Finnegan, hailed from the Cooley Peninsula in Louth, while Biden's great-great grandfather on the other side, Patrick Blewitt, was born in Ballina, Co Mayo.

Read more: St Patrick's Day Ireland 2022 LIVE updates: Pub changes, Temple Bar scenes and garda warning

And having previously made comments calling Ireland 'heaven', it was a quip from the President before he took office which saw him hailed a hero by Irish people.

When the BBC tried to get a word in a media scrum, Biden stopped, turned to their reporter, uttered: "BBC?! I'm Irish!" before walking away.

That was very well-received by Irish people, but Biden has put his foot in it the odd time too when referencing his heritage.

Back in 2019, after being asked a question, the now President said: "I may be Irish, but I’m not stupid”.

Biden won't be able to have a conversation in person with the Taoiseach on St Patrick's Day, with the traditional handing over of the shamrocks set to be virtual once more after Micheál Martin tested positive for Covid-19 overnight.

It emerged Mr Martin was positive late on Wednesday night at a gala event where up to 800 people were in attendance for the Ireland Funds gala.

Mr Martin was due to accept an international leadership award but was whisked away shortly after President Biden welcomed him to the event which took place at the National Building Museum.

The full Irish delegation and media were required to have a Covid-19 test on Wednesday before travelling to the White House.

Mr Martin tested negative on his antigen test but a positive test was picked up from a member of his delegation.

Read more: Taoiseach likely to hold virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden after positive Covid test

Read more: Should Ireland be worried about the recent Covid spike? Expert shares the most 'important thing to watch'

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