The 46th President of the United States Joe Biden embarked on a journey of engagements yesterday both north and south of the border.
In Northern Ireland, he expressed hopes of a return to power-sharing at Stormont.
Speaking in Belfast, he said: "As a friend, I hope it's not too presumptuous for me to say that I believe the democratic institutions established in the Good Friday Agreement remain critical for the future of Northern Ireland."
Mr Biden also said that a stable devolved government could deliver an economic windfall for Northern Ireland.
"An effective devolved government that reflects the people of Northern Ireland and is accountable to them, a government that works to find ways through hard problems together, is going to draw even greater opportunity in this region."
While in Belfast, Mr Biden also met James Martin, one of the starts of the Oscar-winning short film An Irish Goodbye.
"I got to meet James, I got my picture taken. I'm going to go home and brag to my daughter," Mr Biden said.
The US President left Belfast on Air Force One and touched down in Dublin just after 3pm where he met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other delegates, as well as US embassy staff and their children.
He was asked by one child what his tips were to success.
"The key to success is whenever you disagree with someone, it's okay to question their judgement but it's never okay to question their motive."
He then spent the evening in Co Louth, visiting Carlingford and Dundalk from where his ancestors hail.
The wind and rain didn't dampen the mood for the 80-year-old who toured Carlingford Castle with his family, he was also accompanied by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin.
Taking in the views of Carlingford Lough from the castle, Mr Biden learned more about his local roots and his ancestors - the Finnegans.
Asked by a reporter what he thought of the weather conditions, Mr Biden replied: "It's fine. It's Ireland."
Later in the day, while visiting Dundalk, he reflected on his visit to Carlingford.
The castle "was likely one of the last glimpses the Finnegan family had when they set sail for America".
The final stop of the day was further down the road in Dundalk. On what was supposed to be a ten-minute stop-off at McAteers Food House in the town, Mr Biden chatted at ease for around 25-minutes to staff members there.
White House reporter at the Washington Post Matt Viser reported that Mr Biden said: "I don't know why the hell my ancestors left. It's beautiful here."
His packed schedule concluded with a trip to the Windsor Bar and Restaurant in Dundalk where he said being in Co Louth "feels like home" and "it's good to be back".
He said his mother, who could trace her roots back to the "wee county", "would be so damn proud" and that Louth held "a special place in her heart".
He said hope beats in the heart of all people "but particularly in the Irish".
"My message to you today is quite simple, keep the faith."
Ending his speech, he thanked people for their welcome and said: "The bad news is, we'll be back."
