US Speaker Nancy Pelosi will address Dáil next Wednesday

The Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi will make a speech in the Dáil next Wednesday to commemorate its 100th anniverary .

The veteran Californian politician has been a congresswoman since 1987, and was first elected speaker of the House in 2006. She was also elected to that position in January this year after the Democrats gained control of the House and is the first woman to hold that office.

Viewed as liberal and left-leaning, Ms Pelosi has long been a target and a figure of antipathy for Republican opponents.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl announced the speech, which will come as part of a visit to Ireland by the 79-year-old Ms Pelosi.

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“I am delighted that Speaker Pelosi has accepted my invitation to make this address, which will mark the centenary of the Dáil’s establishment and will further highlight the enduring bonds of friendship between our two legislative assemblies,” he said.

“I am particularly mindful of the help and support given to the nascent Irish Parliament by the United States House of Representatives one hundred years ago, and the support given by both Houses of Congress in the intervening period.”

In a statement Ms Pelosi said: “It is an immense honour to speak during the centennial of the Dáil, celebrating the deep and enduring friendship between the United States and Ireland.

“ I look forward to returning the warm message of friendship that Taoiseach Varadkar brought on behalf of the Irish people when I had the privilege of hosting him at the United States Capitol last month.”