Lady in waiting Hillary Clinton bids to woo Irish vote

As she prepares to announce a likely bid for the US presidency, Hillary Clinton has accepted an invitation to attend an Irish event in New York to mark St Patrick’s Day in what is seen as a major coup for the Irish lobby.

While she is unlikely to show her hand on her presidential plans, it will certainly be a chance for her to connect with Irish voters at a crucial time and remind them of the role she and her husband played in helping to broker a peace deal in the North when Bill Clinton was president.

Mrs Clinton had been expected to enter the presidential race in April but is now considering waiting until July to make a formal announcement, though she may give details on an exploratory committee in the coming weeks.

There has been no public announcement about her attendance at the Irish event yet but that could come within a day.

However, a source who was able to confirm Mrs Clinton will attend said: “The fact she is lunch honoree at the Irish event is evidence in itself of the huge regard in which she holds the Irish.”

It should be remembered, too, that on the US speaking circuit, Mrs. Clinton can command fees in excess of $250,000.

The March 16 awards luncheon is being organised by Irish Central publisher Niall O’Dowd and previous honourees have included Bill Clinton and vice-president Joe Biden.

It will also coincide with a visit to the United States by Taoiseach Enda Kenny for St Patrick’s Day celebrations, including a meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama. Details of Mr Kenny’s itinerary have not yet been finalised.