There was nothing impromptu about it.
We have been absolutely lapping up the coverage of US President Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland, from the unfortunate “Black and Tan” slip, to a chilly reception from President Michel D Higgins’ dog Misneach at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Another stellar moment was when he visited McAteers Food House, a Dundalk deli on the Wednesday of his visit. While there’s something humorous in imagining he just slipped in for a sausage roll, naturally the Secret Service had to do a sweep of the premises to ensure its safety.
“I don’t know why the hell my ancestors left,” President Biden tells a group of workers at a deli in Dundalk, Ireland. “It’s beautiful here.” pic.twitter.com/mxo6P1buDT
— Matt Viser (@mviser) April 12, 2023
In a conversation with RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, owner Jerome McAteer said this of the security measures taken ahead of Biden’s visit.
“They were sweeping for bombs and stuff last night. Took control of the building last night actually, of the shop itself. And then it was on lock down.
“We weren’t allowed open today which we were happy with because of the visit.
“There was more security from the American side today with sniffer dogs and stuff. That was done three or four times and we were all scanned.”
Biden certainly seemed to enjoy his visit regardless; Jerome went on to say he was only meant to stop by for 10 minutes, but this became 25 by the time he left.
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While some may be disappointed that Biden’s trip to the deli wasn’t completely spur of the moment, I like to think he was just so eager to experience a chicken fillet roll or a jambon that he made extra sure he’d be able to ahead of time.
Header images via Instagram/mcateersthefoodhouse_dundalk
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