Government appoints Biden associate as first Irish honorary consul in Delaware

A prominent supporter and associate of US president Joe Biden in his home state of Delaware has been appointed by the Government as an honorary Irish consul.

Brian McGlinchey, a government affairs professional, will be appointed as Ireland’s Honorary Consul to the State of Delaware in a ceremony in Wilmington Friday.

The Irish Government sees the move as "an historic first" which underlines growing Ireland-Delaware bonds.

Mr McGlinchey played a key role in the drive to elect Mr Biden as president last year where he served as national fund-raising co -chair for the campaign.

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He was also co-chair of the “Delaware for Joe” and Irish Americans for Biden campaigns.

Mr McGlinchey on Friday will be presented by Irish ambassador to the United States Dan Mulhall with the Irish flag and an ornamental shield bearing the image of the harp for his new office.

Guests from Delaware’s political, business and cultural world as well as some members of the Biden family are expected to attend the ceremony in Wilmington.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney appointed Mr McGlinchey as Ireland's first ever honorary consul to Delaware in November "in recognition of Mr McGlinchey's outstanding qualifications, experience and engagement with Irish issues" and to underline " the strength of Delaware's vibrant Irish community and the growing political, business and cultural links between Ireland and the Diamond State".

More than 14 per cent of Delaware’s inhabitants claim Irish heritage. However in one area, New Castle county, the figure is more than 45 per cent of its 180,000 residents.

‘I am humbled’

Mr McGlinchey has almost a quarter of a century of experience in federal, state, and local affairs in the mid-Atlantic region in the United States. He is currently senior advisor at law firm McCarter & English.

Prior to his roles in the 2020 presidential campaign, Mr McGlinchey served as the projects director for then-United States Senator Biden. He also spent time as director of the Laborers -Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, a progressive labour-management fund, where he forged economic policies that promoted growth in the construction industry in the eastern region.

He is the past-president and founding member of Delawareans For Economic and Environmental Development (DEED), a coalition of labour, civic, environmental, and business leaders which champion balanced policies that expand the tax base and create private sector jobs while enhancing and protecting the environment.

Once opened, the honorary consul’s office in Wilmington will support Ireland’s embassy in Washington DC and consulate general in New York in facilitating business and official visits from Ireland, providing information on Ireland and consular guidance and assistance to Irish citizens in Delaware.

Speaking on Friday ahead of the ceremony, Mr McGlinchey said:

“As the proud son of an immigrant, and citizen of Ireland, I am humbled by this appointment. The consular responsibilities are significant and I’m grateful for the Irish Government’s confidence in me to perform them. “

Mr Mulhall said the contribution made by the country’s network of honorary consuls around the world was a vital part of Ireland’s diplomatic engagement. “Brian’s appointment highlights the great potential we see to deepen and broaden our engagement in Delaware. I know that Brian will be a tremendous advocate for Ireland and a source support for Irish citizens and Irish businesses active in Delaware.”