Joe Biden has said he’s “not really Irish” because he “never drank” — and joked that his relatives in Ireland were “never actually in jail.”
The US president, whose family moved from Ireland to America in the mid-1800s, was celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the White House with guests including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and One Direction singer Niall Horan, who performed at the event.
The 80-year-old told the audience: ‘When I went to Ireland it was an amazing experience. I’ve been to Ireland many times, but not to look up – to find my actual family members.
Pic: AP
“And there are many more – and they weren’t actually in jail.”
Biden said he spent six days in Ireland and met some of his relatives there.
Recalling his stay, he added: “There is still a place called Finnegan’s Tavern…and it is associated with my family.”
“I’m the only Irishman I’ve ever met, however, and I’ve never had a drink, so I’m fine. I’m not really Irish.”
Pic: AP
The jokes didn’t end there, as Biden referred to former Irish rugby union player Rob Kearney – his distant cousin – and said, “We all know who we root for in the Grand Slam” – ahead of Ireland’s clash with England on Saturday. .
He also told Horan that he could “come back at any time” after praising his performance.
Mr. Biden also appeared in an Instagram video with the music star wishing everyone a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day.”
The event on Friday was the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the White House since Corona virus disease pandemic.
The White House fountain was pouring water dyed green for the occasion, which comes ahead of Biden’s long-awaited trip to Northern Ireland on April 25.
Read more:
Biden says he “strongly supports” the Windsor Framework as it hosts Leo Varadkar
Leo Varadkar meets Joe Biden at the St. Patrick’s Day talks
Click to subscribe to Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcast
During his St. Patrick’s Day speech, Mr. Biden also said he “strongly supports” Windsor frame Post-Brexit arrangement and talked about the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
A bowl of shamrocks was also served as part of the ceremony, which was attended by leaders of the five main parties in Northern Ireland.