SUOZZI MEETS WITH SINN FEIN
Washington, DC - Congressman Tom Suozzi (D - Long Island, Queens) recently met with Ciarán Quinn, Sinn Féin Representative for North America, and Greg O'Loughlin. Executive Director Friends of Sinn Féin USA to discuss political developments in Ireland and the UK as well as the vital importance of upholding peace through the Good Friday Agreement.
“Ireland is one of the oldest and closest friends of the United States, and the Irish people have been a crucial part of the fabric of our nation for well over a century. It's crucial to continue strengthening our ties and working together for a peaceful future,” said Suozzi.
Tom’s mother, Marguerite Holmes’ Grandfather, Jeremiah Holmes, came to America from Bweeng outside of Mallow in County Cork, the largest and southernmost county of Ireland.
Proud of his Mother’s Irish heritage, Suozzi has been a strong supporter of Ireland throughout his career. He spoke out early on the issue of Northern Ireland and supported President Bill Clinton’s effort to bring peace to Northern Island.
And then as County Executive, Suozzi would always lead the Nassau County’s yearly Easter Monday ceremony, remembering the group of Irish nationalists who proclaimed the establishment of the Irish Republic and, along with some 1,600 followers, staged a rebellion against the British government in Ireland.
During the Brexit negotiations, Suozzi turned to his Long Island colleague, Congressman Pete King and partnered with him to minimize the impact it might have on the “Good Friday Agreement,” which Suozzi had strongly supported.
On October 30, 2019, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs passed Suozzi’s resolution (House Resolution 585) introduced by Suozzi and King. The resolution called for strict adherence to the Good Friday Agreement during Brexit negotiations.
Suozzi said at the time: “Ireland is one our friend and ally.…We need to ensure that Brexit and other political challenges don’t threaten the peace process by reintroducing a hard border.”
Some years ago, Suozzi traveled back to his mother’s Ireland, where he met the Irish Prime Minister, several other Irish government officials, including the President and the Speaker and spent time speaking with many local leaders and community groups.
During the trip, he traveled to his Great-Great Grandfather’s home in the little village Bweeng, (Irish: Na Boinn meaning “The Coins”) located approximately 14 km (8.7 mi) southwest of the town of Mallow, County Cork. Bweeng is within the Dáil constituency of Cork North-West and the townlands of Beennamweel West, Beennamweel East, Shanavoher, Ballyboght and Glashaboy West in the civil parish of Kilshannig.
Suozzi has promised to continue his ‘kinship’ with Ireland. “Erin go Bragh…Ireland forever," the Congressman said.
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