US president Joe Biden gives a speech at Ulster University in Belfast on Wednesday. Photograph: Chris J Ratcliffe/BloombergBiden arrived in Northern Ireland last night on Air Force One. The only public engagement of his short stop in Belfast was his public address at Ulster University
Joe Biden addresses a packed balcony above him at Ulster University. Photograph: Kenny Holston/The New York TimesHere’s a picture of Biden meeting An Irish Goodbye actor James Martin – who you may remember from the Academy Awards – at the Ulster University event. “He’s now in Ireland, he’s not going to have a news conference, when the world is exploding. I own property in Ireland. I’m not going to Ireland, the world is exploding around us.”Gabrielle Feenan, who introduced the president at Ulster University, described it as an “incredible honour”.
“He was very good at putting me at ease before the speech. I don’t know how to follow this one, but I am looking forward to seeing what opportunities come my way over the next 25 years I suppose and see where it takes me.” – PAAnd here’s a nicely arty photograph from inside the Ulster University event, with Biden visible through a television camera’s viewfinder.
Asked if the visit would make any difference to the DUP’s stance regarding the Stormont institutions, Donaldson said “it doesn’t change the political dynamic in Northern Ireland. “I think our relationship is in great shape,” says Sunak, listing all the times he’s seen Biden recently and will see him again in the next couple of months.Biden has now finished speaking and is working the room in true presidential style, shaking hands and taking selfies with attendees. Those who don’t get close enough to request a selfie are thrusting their phones in the air to grab a sneaky pic over the shoulders of the crowd.
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