Fri. Nov 1st, 2024

Countdown to the U.S Election: Irish-US citizens have their say

ByAlan White

Thursday, 24 October 2024, 13:25 , , , , , ,
Limerick City: Pixabay
Irish Americans voice their concerns and predictions for who will win the 2024 U.S Presidential Election

On Tuesday November 5, the American map will once again become a political colouring book for the Trump versus Harris 2024 Presidential Election. The big question remains, who will win? Anticipation is just as high in Ireland as dual citizens get ready to vote from across the Atlantic.  

Data from the Central Statistics Office revealed that Irish-US citizenship was the most popular in Limerick with 1,044 people holding both nationalities in the 2022 Census. The US Embassy encouraged US citizens in Ireland to vote, including a step-by-step guide for registering an absentee ballot on their website. 

For some, voting from abroad helps people to feel connected to their American roots. “I was born in Boston and lived there for nine years, and I’m registered to vote so I’ll vote online,” says Colin Tuohy, a dual citizen from Tipperary currently studying in UL.  

Dual citizenship allows those living abroad to see the political climate in America from a distance and give wider perspective to the issues at hand. “I think it can be a very dangerous time for America and the world.” Colin states.  

Trump’s reaction to the 2020 election, particularly the events of the storming of Capitol Hill, raises concerns for the aftermath of this year’s election. “No matter which candidate wins, there is going to be uproar on either side,” says Hannah McNally, a dual citizen from Mayo, whose mother is American.  

Hannah further states the concern for the candidates: “On one side you have a candidate that people are content with [Kamala], they don’t have major liking towards, but they put up with. On the Republican side, people love their candidate, there’s like a cult of personality around him, people feel very passionate towards him.” 

The economic impact of the election became a topic of discussion for Niamh Terranova, an Applied Physics student from Limerick. “I think this [election] will have an impact as Ireland is at the mercy of the U.S.”

Niamh talks about the multinational corporations in Ireland, and possible implications if Trump wins. “A lot of our multinational businesses that are here, if Trump raises the import taxes on them in America, and then they have to leave Ireland.” 

The prediction polls are coming in close-knit, but who do people think will win?  

“I think Donald Trump will win,” says Colin. Hannah also thinks Trump will win the election.  

Niamh shared her support for Kamala Harris. “I believe Kamala would do a much better job at dealing with the problems we’re having in the world today.” 

All eyes will be on November 5, 2024.