Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor D. McGuinness welcomed Governor Janet Mills to Leinster House as part of his ongoing engagement to deepen relations between Ireland and the State of Maine.

As Cathaoirleach of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, McGuinness had been tasked with developing bilateral links between Ireland and Maine.

The meeting covered Irish unity, Ireland–US relations, trade and investment, sea fisheries, offshore renewable energy, marine protected areas and research cooperation.

Deputy McGuinness said Tay American political and civic leaders continue to have an important role to play in Ireland’s peace process.

“The United States played a vital role in securing the Good Friday Agreement. As discussion of Irish unity increasingly comes to the fore, continued engagement from American political leaders will be important in supporting peace, progress and the democratic right of the people of this island to determine their constitutional future by consent.”

The meeting also explored opportunities for cooperation between Maine and Ireland’s coastal communities.

“Maine and Ireland share strong maritime traditions and many of the same challenges. We discussed the need to arrest the decline of the fishing industry, support coastal livelihoods and ensure communities benefit from opportunities in offshore renewables and marine research.

“There is real potential to strengthen trade, educational and research links, building on our shared history and the connections between our communities.”

“Our objective is to turn those connections into practical cooperation that benefits businesses, workers and coastal communities in both Maine and Ireland.

“Multilateralism must continue to be at the heart of Ireland’s engagement with the world. In the context of growing geopolitical instability it has never been more important to build solid relationships with leaders at the state and city levels of American politics.”