Rory Carroll: Joe Biden’s Ireland trip reinforces the narrative of the American dream

JFK set the template and, this week, Joe Biden's Irish trip has reinforced the Ellis Island narrative of the US as a land of opportunity for immigrants from all over the world

US president Joe Biden leaving Leinster House after he addressed a joint sitting of the Houses of the Oireachtas with Seanad Éireann Cathaoirleach Senator Jerry Buttimer, and Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl. Picture: Maxwells 

John F Kennedy set the template for US presidential forays to Ireland with a rapturously-received visit in 1963 that he called the best four days of his life.

Joe Biden’s visit this week did not quite match that fervour but at times it came close, alchemising politics, diplomacy and the personal into a feelgood glow for visitor and hosts.