Irish cousins of US president-elect Joe Biden begin celebrating

[OnDoutside]

Brendan Blewitt and his sister Breege Bourke (second left) cousins of US president-elect Joe Biden begin celebrating in anticipation of the results of the US election in his ancestral home of Ballina, Co Mayo, Ireland (PA)

The town of Ballina in Co Mayo, Mr Biden’s ancestral home, has been decked out in the famous stars and stripes in anticipation of his success.



Locals in Joe Biden’s ancestral home are celebrating his election as President of the United States.

The Democrat became president-elect on Saturday after securing the state of Pennsylvania, giving him the required 270 electoral college votes.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin tweeted his congratulations to Mr Biden on Saturday, shortly after his victory was confirmed.

He said: “I want to congratulate the new President Elect of the USA.

“Joe Biden has been a true friend of this nation throughout his life and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead. I also look forward to welcoming him back home when the circumstances allow!”

The town of Ballina in Co Mayo, Mr Biden’s ancestral home, has been decked out in the famous stars and stripes in anticipation of his success.

The Democrat recorded a historic election victory over Donald Trump, having secured a record number of votes for a presidential candidate, with almost 75 million.

Ballina local Joe Blewitt, a cousin of Mr Biden, was in no doubt that he would prevail.

The election took four days to call as a result of the large number of mail-in ballots due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He told the PA news agency: “I think we’re all pretty confident that’s he’s going to get across the line. It’s just a pity that it’s dragging out so long.”

Mr Trump has attempted to frustrate the process, calling for vote counting to be stopped and launching a number of lawsuits.

He has so far refused to recognise the results of the election.

The approach is not making him many friends in Mayo.

Mr Blewitt said: “Joe Biden is talking about policies, he’s meeting with all the health officials and he’s setting up a plan.

“The other man is still talking about himself. That was always the case with him. It wasn’t about the people, it was about himself.”

[FakeNoose]

1. Everyone loves Joe, doesn't it seem that way?

It's going to take a very special guy to win back all the friends that Chump has insulted in the last 4 years. When they get to know Kamala they will love her too, I think.

[NNadir]

2. The entire world will celebrate.

[OnDoutside]

6. Apart from Russia and North Korea of course ! ;)

[Spazito]

3. Love it! n/t

[mopinko]

4. this irishman is day drinkin.

fine champagne, too.
put of a tiffany flute. yeah, started at 11 a.m.
dont think i have ever done that.

[OnDoutside]

5. I have been reticent to open the 2019 bottle of this, but it's going to be opened tonight !!!

p.s. I got your email, and will look further

[mopinko]

7. well, i am deep in the jamesons.

still drinkin the champagne, but will do a shot w my dinner.

[treestar]

8. Mr great grandmother was born there

Immigrated as a young woman

[Alacritous Crier]

9. Slainte!