Identity and opportunity in NI need not be in conflict, says US special envoy Joe Kennedy

The issues of identity and economic opportunity in Northern Ireland do not need to be in conflict, the US special envoy to Northern Ireland has said.

Last December, US president Joe Biden appointed former US congressman Joe Kennedy III, a member of one of the most famous American political families, as US special envoy to Northern Ireland.

At an online press event on Thursday following his recent trip to the North to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement, Mr Kennedy was asked about the status of US investment into Northern Ireland.

‘Unique opportunity’

He said businesses were encouraged by the announcement in relation to the Windsor Framework and that a functioning government and the stability it brings would help make the case for that investment. Speaking further about the framework, he said it “provides a unique opportunity for the people of Northern Ireland to be able to pursue, I think, a robust economic future. Issues with regard to identity and economic opportunity don’t need to be in conflict. How I view this in my capacity in this role is not to say it is one or the other. It is to be understood there are ways for individuals who are proud of, and continue to prioritise, their identity as a citizen of the United Kingdom, and as British, while also recognising that there are economic opportunities that don’t have to dilute or impact that. It is through enabling a political process to take place so that they can work through those details.”

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He said there are challenges which he does not seek to minimise or dismiss. “What we need to have is a good faith effort …In all my conversations with members of, and leaders of, the DUP, that’s the impression I’ve had.”

Speaking about his trip, he said it was “an incredible 11 days or so in Northern Ireland. It was a whirlwind trip, exciting, invigorating and really powerful.”

‘Importance’ of peace

He said he wanted to “underscore the importance that lasting peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland means for the United States. My role as special envoy is to try to build on that … Political stability has drawn nearly two billion dollars of investment from the US alone.

“Northern Ireland is home to more than 1,200 international companies, and over 70 per cent, after they invest once, they invest again in the region. If there was one seminal takeaway message from me it is that this is a place that is energised, capable and resilient.”