Brian McGlinchey, a Delaware-based specialist in government affairs, has a new role in diplomatic affairs.
Mr. McGlinchey was appointed as Ireland’s first ever Honorary Consul to the State of Delaware in a recent ceremony in Wilmington.
The ceremony, which took place at the Hotel du Pont, was attended by Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, Dan Mulhall, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Helena Nolan, Consul General of Ireland in New York with responsibility for Delaware, and prominent guests from Delaware’s political, business and cultural communities.
Ambassador Mulhall presented Mr. McGlinchey with the official Irish flag and escutcheon - an ornamental shield bearing an image of the harp, Ireland’s official emblem – for his new office, before delivering remarks.
According to a release from Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, the decision to appoint Mr. McGlinchey as Ireland’s first ever Honorary Consul to Delaware was made by Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, this in recognition of Mr. McGlinchey’s outstanding qualifications, experience and engagement with Irish issues.
"It also underlines the strength of Delaware’s vibrant Irish community and the growing political, business and cultural links between Ireland and the Diamond State," the release stated.
And it continued: "More than 14% of Delaware’s inhabitants claim Irish heritage, but that number rises to more than 45% among New Castle County’s 180,000 residents. Delaware enjoys an active and engaged community promoting Irish Culture and Heritage; including the Irish Culture Club of Delaware, the New Castle County Irish Society, and the St. Patrick’s Society."
Mr. McGlinchey was prominently involved in the ‘Joe Biden for President’ campaign. He served as National Fundraising Co-Chair, Co-Chair of the home state ‘Delaware for Joe’, and Co-Chair of ‘Irish Americans for Biden." He has almost a quarter of a century of experience in federal, state, and local affairs in the mid-Atlantic. He is currently Senior Advisor at law firm McCarter & English.
Prior to his roles in the 2020 presidential campaign, Mr. McGlinchey served as the Projects Director for then United States Senator Biden. He also spent time as Director of the Laborers – Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, a progressive labor-management fund, where he forged economic policies that promoted growth in the construction industry in the eastern region.
He is the Past-President and founding member of Delawareans For Economic and Environmental Development (DEED), a coalition of labor, civic, environmental, and business leaders which champion balanced policies that expand the tax base and create private sector jobs while enhancing and protecting the environment.
Added the DFA release: "Once opened, the Honorary Consul’s office in Wilmington will support Ireland’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. and Consulate General in New York in facilitating business and official visits from Ireland, providing information on Ireland and consular guidance and assistance to Irish citizens in Delaware.
Ahead of the ceremony, Mr. McGlinchey said: “As the proud son of an immigrant, and citizen of Ireland, I am humbled by this appointment.
"The consular responsibilities are significant and I’m grateful for the Irish government’s confidence in me to perform them. I look forward to expanding support for the Irish diaspora and strengthening relationships between our State, the greater Delaware Valley extensive Irish network and Ireland.”
Ambassador Mulhall said: “The contribution made by our Honorary Consuls around the world is a vital part of Ireland’s diplomatic engagement. Brian’s appointment highlights the great potential we see to deepen and broaden our engagement in Delaware. I know that Brian will be a tremendous advocate for Ireland and a source support for Irish citizens and Irish businesses active in Delaware.”
Consul General Nolan said: “Brian’s expertise and commitment to public service have already been of enormous benefit to Ireland and Delaware for many years. I am delighted that he is joining us in this new exciting role in the years to come and my team and I look forward to working with him.”
