Opinions On U.S. Election Divided In The North

By Aine Fox

Election day is almost here and, considering the historical American relationship with Ireland, The Irish Examiner talked to some of Northern Ireland's politicians to see what they are making of it all.

Both Presidential candidates Obama and McCain and even Democratic VP nominee Joe Biden have all delved into their green roots since gracing the world's political stage. It is an undisputed fact that the Irish connection wins votes, but exactly how important is the result this time around for just under 2 million people living in the North?

"It's the most important election in the world" according to the Alliance party's Trevor Lunn.

Over the years America has been seen as a guiding hand throughout the political process in the North, with figures such as Bill Clinton and George Mitchell held in high esteem for the work they have done there, especially in relation to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Lunn added "I think in the Clinton days certainly Northern Ireland was very well served. Through those years, having had an American envoy here was a very useful thing."

Alasdair McDonnell, Deputy leader of the SDLP agreed but recognised that devolution has meant less reliance on the US relationship.

"We will always need the friendship and support of the US and we value it but I would hope we don't need special attention."

Basil McCrea of the Ulster Unionist party spoke of the importance of maintaining the relationship, even if it less crucial than it has been in the past.

"Northern Ireland does have access to Washington and good will throughout the US. I think it's a major asset and we shouldn't give it up."

Although it is generally accepted that Ireland will always have links with America, the Bush administration can certainly be argued to have ushered in a new era where Ireland does not rate as highly on the US agenda.

"I don't think George Bush has the slightest interest in Northern Ireland. I think McCain and Obama will pay lip service to the Irish question because they want the Irish votes but that's about as far as it goes" Mr Lunn said, admitting he was more cynical about the modern relationship between the two countries.

Obama's announcement earlier this year that he would be reviewing and reconsidering the need for a US special envoy to Northern Ireland brought into sharp focus the reality that as progress is made in the North, there is less necessity for such a strong influence from the US.

Mr McCrea is adamant Northern Ireland can retain links though. "I think the challenge for Northern Ireland is to keep itself relevant. Most people on Capitol Hill think the problem is now solved over here so it doesn't feature as much in their thinking as it might have done in the past. We have to find a way of keeping it relevant."

That way could very possibly be through business and enterprise if Gary Hanley of Invest NI is correct. When interviewed in this paper some months ago he stated firmly that the North is a "fantastic" spot for potential investors, including US companies.

Mr McDonnell cited the upcoming workforce as the key factor. "I strongly agree that Northern Ireland is still a very good prospect. We still have a supply of well educated young people eager for jobs."

Although the worldwide recession is bad news for most Mr McCrea thinks there are some positives. "Every dark cloud has a silver lining. The upside is that where there are companies looking for stable, well-trained, relatively cost-effective premises and workers, Northern Ireland's got something to offer."

All three politicians have travelled to America in the past and spoke of their fondness for the country. Mr Lunn said the patriotism of its people stands out, "I like the place and I like Americans on their home turf, they're so proud of their country. Most Americans are proud of America, over here I think we have a long way to go."

While somewhat incomparable to naturally smaller scale elections in Ireland and the UK, Mr McDonnell recognised that the media drive is essential for the candidates to be noticed. "America's a very large country. The difficulty is getting a message to every single individual right across the US. A lot of the razzamatazz is necessary to get visibility and to get up on people's screens".

Mr Lunn agreed, "It's totally different to the way we do it here. It's the way Americans do things."

The glitz and glamour of the election and its ability to tap into mass media across the country and indeed the globe supports the idea that it is one the most important contests around. "It's a reflection of the world we live in," said Mr McCrea in relation to television's influence on reaching voters.

So when it comes down to it, who do the politicians in the North think will win? And who may serve the North's interests better?

Mr McCrea was unwilling to differentiate between the two candidates in terms of their attitudes or interest in the North. "I don't know - it's too close to call. It wouldn't be right for me to express an opinion anyway. Whoever occupies the Whitehouse, Northern Ireland needs to have a good relationship with them."

Mr McDonnell admitted to having a very different view, having worked with Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden on many occasions. "I have an intense personal interest and quite a bit of political interest in it. I am a big admirer of Joe Biden - I first met him in 1985. His mother has very strong Northern connections."

McDonnell has also seen Obama close up and was highly impressed: "I listened to Obama at the Democratic convention in 2004, I was absolutely flabbergasted with his magic touch, his rhetoric and his ability to connect with me."

He feels the Democratic machine will come out on top next week: "My vote would go to Obama. I have very high regard for Joe Biden, if they win they will be a formidable combination. I believe they will win."

Mr Lunn took a different view but didn't rule Obama out. "I think McCain will win. Obama has a buzz about him - he should win, its time for the Democrats to win again but McCain's such a soft Republican and I think Sarah Palin was an inspired choice."

While there was disagreement in the the Northern camp as to who America will choose to be its 44th President, all three politicians remain in agreement on one thing.

The North has certainly made immense political and social progress over the last number of years, but the relationship with America, while perhaps not as crucial nowadays, will remain a welcome one by the North's politicians no matter who takes that seat on Capitol Hill.