The ongoing New Jersey Ireland Trade Commission mission trip already has shown its value, providing face-to-face opportunities with key officials that are intended to lay the groundwork for future collaboration, delegates on the trip told BINJE.
Last Thursday, the group toured Leinster House (the Irish Parliament) and met with Verona Murphy, TD, the Ceann Comhairle (or Speaker) of the Dail Eireann.
Assemblyman Bill Moen (D, Barrington-Camden-Woodbury) said the conversation showed how much Ireland and New Jersey have in common.
“Our collective conversation with her, and about a dozen other Irish legislators, gave us great insight into the opportunities that exist between New Jersey and Ireland, but it also showed us how much we are alike on issues like energy, housing and education,” he said.
Moen presented Murphy with a “Speaker to Speaker” letter from General Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Woodbridge), which invited Murphy to the New Jersey State House.
On Friday, the group met U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh and his wife, Lynn Walsh, for a group dinner in Dublin.
Walsh, of course, is quite familiar with New Jersey. He is the founder and president of The Walsh Company, a leading general contracting and project management company headquartered in Morristown.
“It was a pleasure to spend an evening dining with U.S. Ambassador Edward Walsh, and his wife Lynn,” Moen said. “The conversation focused on his first 60 days in the ambassadorship, what areas of collaboration exist between his role and the NJITC’s role, and how well-positioned the Garden State is to welcome businesses and workers from Ireland and around the world.”
Sean Kennedy, the vice chair of the NJ-Ireland Trade Commission, agreed.
“Spending time with Ambassador and Mrs. Walsh allowed for some very impactful dialogue about working together to strengthen the connectivity between New Jersey and Ireland,” Kennedy told BINJE. “The ambassador committed to assisting our efforts in the months ahead.”
More from trip
- For Vice Chair Kennedy, mission trip comes with personal and professional pride.
- NJ-Ireland Trade Commission begins five-day economic mission trip Thursday
Moen presented Walsh with a clock made from authentic teak wood sourced from the historic deck of the Battleship New Jersey, which is the most decorated and longest serving battleship in U.S. naval history.
Kennedy said he felt having an ambassador so closely connected to Jersey will have great impact for the state.
“I reminded the ambassador what JFK famously said about how being the Ambassador to Ireland is better than being President – he didn’t disagree,” Kennedy said. “Having a Jersey guy in that role is a huge advantage for the Irish Commission and our state.”
The five-day trip ends today – but not before a busy schedule that includes:
- Meeting with Cork Chamber of Commerce
- Meeting with Lord Mayor of Cork
- Meeting with Jeremy Hayes, Business Innovation Systems
- Tour of University College Cork, meeting with representatives
Kennedy said the trip already has allowed the NJITC to meet its goal of having the commission establish connections with key leaders moving forward as the state prepares for a new administration.
“There are so many economic and cultural ties between our regions – and there is nothing like face-to-face meetings that re-emphasize and re-energize the relationship,” Kennedy said. “This trip has done that.”
Moen agreed, saying the commission will plan next steps upon its return – steps that include a return trip to Ireland.
“The NJITC delegation visit to Ireland was a true success,” he said. “We accomplished what we set out to do: Meet with Irish business, non-profit and government leaders to learn more about their issues, and to establish long lasting relationships.
“We learned that while Ireland has unique needs and challenges, New Jersey and Ireland have so much in common. One thing is for certain: Ireland punches above its weight on the global stage, just as the Garden State does.”
