Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the first instance, I have held the consistent view that once elections have been held all political parties that participated in any election should immediately form a Parliament and create an Executive. This is the democratic thing to do. That has always been my view, irrespective of issues around Brexit and the protocol. President Biden has been very positive about that issue and very firm in underpinning the Good Friday Agreement and that there would be no hard border on the island of Ireland.

The visit is not one where I would attempt to embroil President Biden in any political situation. He has maintained a very strong interest in and engagement with this issue, as has the US Administration in its dialogue with the Irish Government and the United Kingdom Government. He has already encouraged - and would like to encourage - everybody to participate, particularly in the aftermath of the Windsor Framework agreement. In my view, that comprehensively addresses the issues that were raised by many members of the unionist parties on the protocol.

The US President's presence in itself is a clear signal that it is not just about 25 years having passed but also that we should pivot to the future economically. President Biden's appointment of Joe Kennedy as an envoy speaks to his commitment to make the 25th anniversary a significant catalyst for economic growth in Northern Ireland.

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