Daily Podcast: Why do so many US presidents like to say 'I'm Irish'?

Almost every US President since John F. Kennedy claims to come from Irish ancestry - and it's not just the White House.

Some 45 million Americans claim Irish heritage, 10 times more than the population in Ireland. The two countries have been politically aligned for decades, so why is their relationship so enduring?

On the Sky News Daily Sky's senior Ireland correspondent David Blevins with political journalist Aoife Moore are in Belfast to explore what's in it for both countries. Plus David speaks to Dr Richard Johnson, senior lecturer in US policy at Queen Mary about the countries special relationship.

#ireland #dailypodcast #skynews

[df]

45 million Americans have Irish roots…and they vote in swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio etc. Both parties have members with Irish surnames, they won’t piss off the Irish, hence why Northern Ireland is so important

[KellyS]

I am a born American, but my ancestors are Irish. My grandmas sister was a nun in Ireland too. My grandma, mom and I have always had Irish decor around our homes. I do feel a connection to Ireland, I know somewhere down the line, if it wasn't for an Irishman or woman ancestor, I wouldn't be here today! Ireland will always have a special place in my heart, even though I've never been there... Yet! 🤷❤

[acb]

Probably because they are descendants of Irish immigrants

[tc]

6:35 Correction: Left due to being starved out of their lands aka a genocide.

[henrik]

The White House was designed by the Irish-born architect James Hoban from Kilkenny.

[geronimorex]

“4.5 million living on the Island of Ireland, ” what an ignorant comment. The population of Ireland is around 7 million.

[markedwardsuk]

The reason why many US Presidents like to say they are Irish is that there is a long history of Irish immigration to the United States, and the Irish-American community has played an important role in American politics. Many US Presidents have had Irish ancestry, and identifying with that heritage can help them connect with Irish-American voters and appeal to their sense of pride in their heritage.

Additionally, the Irish-American community has historically been an important voting bloc in American politics, particularly in urban areas of the Northeast and Midwest. By identifying with their heritage and highlighting their connections to the Irish-American community, Presidents can strengthen their political support among this group.

It's worth noting that not all US Presidents who claim Irish ancestry have the same level of connection or identification with their Irish heritage. Some may simply be acknowledging their ancestry as a matter of fact, while others may actively seek to emphasize their Irish roots for political or personal reasons.

[Tmb]

Because like half of us Americans are Irish. No need to make a detailed report about this.

[dawnburke]

America helped Irish citizens during & after the famine / we won’t forget . And yes many Americans have Irish relatives.
Get over it ! President Biden has Irish roots so what if he wants to visit his ancestral roots . He has every right to come & visit .
End of !

[AbiBurke-wccq]

Because 1.8 million Irish escaped british tyranny and got to the USA during the british genocide in Ireland

[whistful]

It all seems quite selective. There are probably just as many Americans who are descended from Germans, Italians etc who also would have been working class. The fascination with Irish ancestry continues to mystify. (I am from Ireland)

[johnnydragongaming]

The US has good relations with Ireland. Lots in common as 2 former British colonies.

[MrBahjatt]

The lady speaking has an interesting hybrid American-Irish accent.

[michaelmazowiecki]

Over 40 million Americans are of Irish origin. The immigrants from the British Isles all fled British rule for a new life in the US. Little surprise that if there is a special relationship then it is between Ireland and the USA and not Britain with the US.

[Sdeburca]

The population of the Republic is over 5 million. The Island has a population of over 7 million.

[ThirstysURL]

Because it's relatable to slaves, the Irish was white slaves.

[SpareSomeChange]

There's nothing more Irish than an American who pretends they're Irish 😂

[EMarie-peds]

I am African American and found out that my great great grandmother immigrated to America after the second potato famine. So I am "black" Irish, and have Scottish and Welsh DNA. Probably from my granny.

[JohnJaneson]

Because Americans themselves like to say they are Irish.

[kumaram]

Because nobody is real American. The Indians are real Americans and many of them killed brutally when these people moved to that land.