The Ancient Order of Hibernians has welcomed last week’s official appointment of Cleveland business magnate Edward Crawford as President Trump’s new ambassador to Ireland. The Senate voted 90-4 in favor of his nomination.
“The Hibernians are heartened by the news that the special relationship between two nations which the exchange of ambassadors signifies has been renewed,” an AOH statement said.
“At this critical moment in history when Brexit may have profound collateral consequences to the prosperity of the island of Ireland, we believe Mr. Crawford experience as a successful businessman will serve him well as both the United States and Ireland seek to mitigate the collateral damage which Britain's decision may pose to the Irish people both north and south.”
The AOH statement added, “We also hope that Mr. Crawford will work with the Dublin government in advocating a fair and equitable U.S. immigration policy and that the golden door of Immigration closed to Erin's children in 1965 will finally be fairly reopened allowing America to once again benefit from the energy and dreams which generations of Irish immigrants have brought to America.
“Finally, we hope Mr. Crawford will make clear America's commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and its full enactment, thus allowing its vision of peace for the entire island of Ireland to reach its full potential.”
Read more: Irish, Catholic American - why I’m part of the Ancient Order of Hibernians
Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Dan Mulhall also welcomed the appointment of Crawford. “I am delighted that Ed Crawford has been confirmed by the Senate today to be the next U.S. ambassador to Ireland. Ambassador Crawford has long been a prominent and highly-regarded member of the Irish community in Cleveland,” Mulhall said.
“I know that he wants to focus on developing further the already deep two-way economic links between Ireland and the USA, an aim I fully share. I wish him the very best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter as ambassador to Ireland.”
Crawford served as Trump’s Ohio finance chair. He heads the Edward Crawford Group and Park-Ohio Industries which has more than 7,500 employees.
Read more: Legislation to double US funding to Ireland passes the House
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