National Archives 1984: Reagan visit was a focus of protests

While taoiseach in 1982 Charles Haughey fulfilled the invitation to the White House for St Patrick’s Day that had been extended to his predecessor Garret Fitz-Gerald. Mr Haughey then invited the president to Ireland on a state visit.

“There is nothing Nancy and I would like to do more than visit your country,” the president replied. “When my schedule allows it, you can be sure that I will take you up on your kind invitation.”

The Haughey government collapsed before the end of the year following a series of “gubus”. FitzGerald was back in office by the time Reagan was ready to come to Ireland. In the wake of the successful visit to the US around St Patrick’s Day 1984, intense preparations were put in train for the Reagan visit to Ireland.