There is no sympathy for dissident republican paramilitaries in the Irish-American community, a prominent member of the US Congress said in Dublin yesterday. Congressman Richard Neal was visiting Dublin as part of a congressional delegation headed by minority leader Nancy Pelosi.
Mr Neal, whose grandparents came from Co Down and Co Kerry, said he had not encountered any support for the dissidents “in years”.
He took an upbeat view of the Irish economy. “It’s getting better. Austerity is tough, but Ireland’s optimism and commitment to education will lift it out of the recession before the rest of Europe.”
He attended a breakfast hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland.
During his visit he met Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett and Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte.