From Gotham City to Belfast City via Capitol Hill

What a week! It is impossible to know where to begin with such an incredible first week in DC. It was on the very first Monday that I was informed that I was to give a speech at the National Press Club at the end of the week for a function hosted by the Northern Ireland Bureau. In writing this speech I came to reflect on my first week as part of the Washington Ireland Program.

For me the day that most epitomised our trip so far was Thursday when we visited JO Wilson elementary school in the morning, followed by a meeting with Senator Leahy on the steps of Capitol Hill. I think I would speak for most of the group in saying that our visit to JO Wilson elementary school, in a more underprivileged part of DC, was an incredible experience. Initially the kids were somewhat wary of us but were soon coping well despite being bombarded with accents from Longford to Ballymena. We taught them some Irish language and ended the day with a rousing rendition of ‘Belle of Belfast city’. I can only hope they remember the day for as long and as fondly as I will. It really was fantastic to see so many bright kids; kids who deserve every opportunity available but unfortunately may not receive this. Indeed it must be mentioned that charity organisations such as Greater DC Cares have described the situation in DC public schools as a crisis- with the average school building opening over 60 years ago and urgently in need of repair. The stark distinction between different sides of Washington society was brought sharply into focus by our meeting later in the day with Senator Patrick Leahy on the steps of Capitol Hill.

Senator Leahy is a long time supporter of Irish American relations, having shown support for programs such as the George Mitchell scholarship, so meeting him was a fantastic opportunity. He spoke with great enthusiasm about his trip to Ireland as part of the historic visit of President Clinton and certainly seemed to show a strong affinity with the island. He also revealed another of his great passions- the Batman movies and it emerged that he is to have a starring role in the upcoming Batman movie- so keep an eye out for that. If only every city had a crime fighting playboy philanthropist clad in spandex, on second thoughts that has just given me a rather unpleasant mental image of Donald Trump. Whether discussing Belfast City or Gotham City I was impressed by the Senators enthusiasm and taking time out a busy day to chat with us.

It was important though as we all begin our prestigious internships, many of which are on Capitol Hill, to see the other side of life in Washington. Remembering that the WIP is built on a foundation of leadership and service in the community, it was when visiting the elementary school that I personally felt closest to this ideal.

Once again (apologies of this is getting annoying) I wish to end with a quote this time from Einstein “I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” It would seem that in Washington more could be done to improve the conditions in public schools but with men like Senator Leahy on the Hill hopefully an improvement is realisable.