US Ambassador to Ireland Edward F. Crawford angered a lot of Irish people after he tweeted that Ireland was looking forward to an upcoming visit from Mike Pence.
The US vice-president has confirmed that he will be in Ireland from September 6-7, following visits to Iceland and Britain. He is expected to meet with Irish President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and Tanaiste Simon Coveney.
Read More: US Vice President Mike Pence confirms visit to Ireland for September 6-7
Crawford, an 81-year-old Ohio businessman who was confirmed as ambassador earlier this year, was sworn in by Pence in June. On August 16, he tweeted: “Ireland looks forward to this important visit to Vice President Pence.”
Ireland looks forward to this important visit by Vice President Pence. https://t.co/qwYTuQptRD
— Ambassador Edward F. Crawford (@USAmbIreland) August 16, 2019
The tweet from the ambassador sparked a social media backlash, HotPress.com reports.
Read More: Mike Pence swears in Ireland’s new US Ambassador Edward Crawford
“Ambassador you do not speak for Ireland, nor do I. But as an Irish person I do not welcome your Vice President who is a misogynist and presides over a system of family separation that just appears to value cruelty,” responded Dr. Shivaun Quinlivan, a law lecturer at NUI Galway.
No we absolutely don’t welcome the @vp here Ambassador.
— Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (@AodhanORiordain) August 16, 2019
His administration is now internationally reknowned for sowing division and spewing hateful xenophobic rhetoric.
Pence is a disgrace to his Irish immigrant past. #IrishStand https://t.co/iywzDFu7RW
Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin tweeted: “No we absolutely don’t welcome the VP here Ambassador. His administration is now internationally renowned for sowing division and spewing hateful xenophobic rhetoric. Pence is a disgrace to his Irish immigrant past.”
Here are more of the replies to the ambassador's tweet:
No Mr Ambassador. We most certainly do not look forward to his visit. His claim of Irishness does a disservice to all of us who live in a modern, progressive democracy, the values of which he decries through his every political action
— Michael Finneran (@soilsitheoir) August 16, 2019
No, not at all.
— Matt Doncel (@MattDoncel) August 16, 2019
Also as the US Ambassador *to* Ireland you speak for the US, not Ireland. Stay in your lane.
Perhaps you can begin by explaining why Ireland should welcome a homophobe like Pence? Simply because he's VP?
You sure? Pence is a moron & the United States represents the greatest threat to global peace & security. #YankeeGoHome
— P KELLY (@7815PWK) August 16, 2019
Who gave you the right to speak on behalf of Ireland Ambassador? You speak for the USA, that’s literally your job. @DanMulhall speaks for us and does a very fine job. I for one certainly do not look forward to your Vice President’s visit. He’s a bigot.
— Dónal O'Flynn (@donaloflynn) August 16, 2019
You’re not speaking for me. As an Irish citizen I would prefer Pence stayed home.
— Paul Duane (@MrPaulDuane) August 18, 2019
No we don't Ambassador. Ireland might be known as the land of the Cead Míle Fáilte (hundred thousand welcomes) but not on this occasion. You can keep @VP Mike Pence and his homophobic divisive politics on your side of the Atlantic. Thanks 🇨🇮
— Ann Marie Part (@PartAnnMarie) August 16, 2019
Read More: People have some thoughts on VP Mike Pence’s upcoming Irish visit
As for the vice-president, he has said he is looking forward to traveling to Ireland and celebrating his Irish roots.
Finally, on September 6-7 we will travel to Ireland, a country that is very near to my family’s heart, where we look forward to meeting with President @MichaelDHiggins, Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar, and Tánaiste @simoncoveney while celebrating my Irish roots!
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) August 15, 2019
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