Ireland and the United States 1973-5: New Dynamics in the Transatlantic Relationship

Abstract

This article examines Irish-US relations between 1973 and 1975 in the context of Ireland's entry to the European Economic Community (EEC) and the US inspired Year of Europe negotiations in 1973—4. The central argument is that Irish accession to the Community introduced a new dynamic in the Irish-US relationship, which had hitherto been dominated by partition and economic issues. Relations between Dublin and Washington deteriorated throughout 1973 and early 1974 as a result of tensions in the European-US relationship. The gradual improvements in transatlantic relations brought about by changes in governments in France, Germany and the UK in early summer 1974, alongside a reassessment within the Irish government of its interests, led to good relations being restored by the Irish presidency of the EEC in early 1975.This new European aspect to Irish foreign policy ensured a permanent new dimension in Irish-US relations.