Shenanigans: The US-Ireland Relationship in Uncertain Times

Trina Vargo is the president of the US-Ireland Alliance. She was employed by Senator Edward M. Kennedy and served as his foreign policy adviser during the critical years of the Northern Ireland peace process. Working directly with political leaders in Northern Ireland, the Clinton Administration, and the Irish Government, Vargo served as a key behind-the-scenes player in the Northern Ireland peace process, including the granting of a visa for Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams to visit the US in 1994.

Trina also served as adviser on Irish issues to the campaigns of every Democratic nominee for President from Michael Dukakis through Barack Obama. She advised several American Ambassadors to Ireland going back to mid-1990’s when Jean Kennedy Smith was nominated as President Clinton’s Ambassador.

In 1998, Trina founded the US-Ireland Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to consolidating relations between the US and the island of Ireland and building that relationship for the future. The organization connects current and emerging Irish and American leaders in various spheres - including education, politics, business and the arts - for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Trina also created the George J. Mitchell Scholarship program, which sends future American leaders to institutions of higher learning on the island of Ireland for a year of graduate study. Nearly 300 Americans apply annually for one of the 12 prestigious scholarships. Trina also created the annual Oscar Wilde Awards to honor the Irish in entertainment.

In this episode, Trina speaks to Liam and Scott about her career, the current state of Irish-American relations, and what lies in store for the future.