Micheál Martin to meet with mayor Zohran Mamdani in New York

Taoiseach taking part in several engagements during his time in New York at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high level week

Zohran Mamdani speaks during a victory speech at a mayoral election night watch party in New York in November 2025. File picture: Yuki Iwamura/AP

Wed, 23 Sep, 2026 - 00:05

Louise Burne

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will meet with New York mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday to discuss Irish people’s “enduring contribution” to the city.

Mr Mamdani, a Democrat, was sworn in as mayor in January following a campaign that saw him go viral several times on social media.

The Taoiseach will meet him as part of several engagements during his time in New York at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high level week.

The Taoiseach and Mr Mamdani will discuss the enduring contribution of Irish women and men to New York, including their role in building the city, serving in community and political leadership, and contributing to its cultural scene, a spokesperson said.

The Taoiseach will also visit the New York Irish Centre in Long Island City, Queens, where he will have the opportunity to meet members of the centre’s seniors community.

Mr Martin will also meet with New York State governor Kathy Hochul, when he will announce $90,000 in Irish Government funding, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for the development of the James Joyce Museum at the University at Buffalo.

“I look forward to undertaking a programme of local engagements during my time in New York,” Mr Martin said.

“The relationship between Ireland and the U.S., both in terms of economic and community links, is hugely significant. I am keen to hear the views of leaders on how we can maintain strong relations.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani to discuss the deep ties that bind New York and Ireland going back centuries.”

In an address on St Patrick’s Day, Mr Mamdani posted a video quoting the patron saint of Ireland, while praising Irish solidarity with the people of Palestine.

“If solidarity has so often been withheld from the Irish, it has never been withheld by the Irish,” he said.

“In 1980, Ireland was the first EEC nation to call for a Palestinian State. For years afterwards, leaders like former president Mary Robinson stood steadfast in their support for Palestinian freedom.”