HAZEL PARK, Mich., Sept. 10, 2026 — State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) recently traveled to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland as a delegate to the American Irish State Legislators Caucus’ Ireland Summit, working to foster and strengthen the longstanding relationship between the United States and Ireland. Following the summit, McFall issued the following statement:
“I was honored to join Michigan Senator Jim Runestad and Joseph Patrick McGill, 1st Honorary Consul of Ireland to Michigan, as a delegate to the American Irish State Legislators Caucus for a visit across Ireland and Northern Ireland. As the United States celebrates our 250th birthday, this trip was a powerful reminder of the deep historical roots and shared values that connect our nations. During the visit, I had the pleasure of meeting with former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, whose remarkable leadership played a historic role in the Good Friday Agreement peace process, as well as members of parliament and international business leaders.
“I also had the distinct honor of meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh to discuss diplomatic and economic partnerships. Ireland is the fifth-largest source of foreign direct investment in the U.S., with a staggering $389 billion invested here and over 780 Irish companies supporting upward of 200,000 jobs across the United States. Fostering these connections opens doors for further economic development, job creation, and bilateral collaboration between Michigan, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. I look forward to the partnerships ahead!”
The American Irish State Legislators Caucus is a bipartisan network that connects American state and local lawmakers with Irish leaders to advance diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties. This trip was self-funded and came at no cost to Michigan taxpayers.
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