“A Log-Rolling, Irish-American Politician, Out to Raise Votes in the United States”: Tip O’Neill and the Irish Dimension of Anglo-American Relations, 1977-1985

The Irish dimension of Anglo-American relations is a relatively marginalised aspect of the historiography of transatlantic studies. Historians have focused on the role of the Clinton administration in the Northern Ireland ‘peace process’ but previous American contributions also warrant attention. As the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Thomas P. ‘Tip’ O’Neill was one of the most prominent Irish-American politicians. This paper will demonstrate O’Neill’s attempts to ensure that the American contribution to the Anglo-Irish process steadily increased, despite the transition from arguably his natural political ally in the President Jimmy Carter administration to President Ronald Reagan in 1981. O’Neill’s interest in Northern Ireland and position as speaker helped ensure that Carter’s promise of financial aid to Northern Ireland in 1977 following progress in the political process was fulfilled in March 1986