Nancy Pelosi Praises Bono in Historic Speech to the Dáil

The Speaker was addressing TDs, senators and former politicians in the Dáil as part of centenary celebrations.

In her speech, she raised the issue of a potential hard border in Ireland as a result of Brexit, saying: "We must ensure that nothing happens in the Brexit discussions that imperils the Good Friday Accord, including - but not limited to - the seamless border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland." She went further, saying that "If the Brexit deal undermines the Good Friday Accord, there'd be no chance of a US-UK trade agreement."

Pelosi also extended her appreciate to Bono, who was seated in the Dáil during her address.

"Bono is here with his wife, Ali Hewson," she acknowledged, before joking: "I take pride in saying that I'm one of the members of Congress who's been to more U2 concerts than anyone. Now he's in the audience. Thank you Ali and Bono, and give my regards to the rest of U2."

The speaker also noted the successes of the marriage equality campaigns and the Repeal the 8th campaign in her speech, saying; "What a powerful statement that Ireland, steeped in tradition, would be the first nation in all of the world to deliver yes to marriage equality to LGBTQ brothers and sister. Not by a ruling in the courts, and not by an act of the legislator, but by an overwhelming vote of the Irish people themselves. And further the people of Ireland voted to affirm the reproductive rights of women."

Later, the Speaker and a delegation will meet President Michael D Higgins in Áras an Uachtaráin, before attending a reception in Dublin Castle which will be hosted by the Taoiseach.

Leo Varadkar described Nancy Pelosis visit as evidence of the deep and historic ties between Ireland and the US.