Ireland’s premier Simon Harris has thanked Joe Biden for his friendship to the Irish nation after the US president withdrew his bid for re-election.

The Taoiseach said Mr Biden had been a voice for “reason, effective multilateralism and shared solutions”.

Mr Biden was warmly welcomed to Ireland last year for a trip that included addressing the Irish Parliament as well as tracing his family roots in Co Louth and Co Mayo.

He also visited Northern Ireland and met then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Belfast as well as undertaking an engagement at the Ulster University.

Mr Harris paid tribute to Mr Biden following the announcement on Sunday evening that he had withdrawn from the US presidential race.

In a statement, the Taoiseach said: “On behalf of the people and government of Ireland, I, as Taoiseach, would like to thank you Mr President for your global leadership and your friendship as you make your announcement that you will not stand in the 2024 US presidential election.”

He said Mr Biden had expressed a “fierce pride” in his Irish ancestry and had acted as a voice for “reason, effective multilateralism and shared solutions”.

“Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this,” he said.

“On a personal level, President Biden is a proud American with an Irish soul. When he arrived into Belfast, Louth and Mayo last year he himself said it was like coming home.

“The outpouring of love and support from the public, even in the pouring Irish rain, from Carlingford to Ballina was testament to how highly the President is held in his ancestral home.”

Earlier Ireland’s deputy premier reacted to Mr Biden’s withdrawal decision with “sadness and admiration”.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin described Mr Biden as an “abiding friend of Ireland”.

“I heard the news of President Biden’s decision with both sadness and admiration,” Mr Martin said in a post on the social network X, formerly Twitter.

“He has been an abiding friend of Ireland, providing invaluable support for peace and prosperity on this island.

“His visit last year will long be remembered as a powerful & joyous celebration of our relationship with the US

“This has no doubt been the toughest of calls, but one done, as ever, with dignity and class.

“I know that the people of Ireland will wish President Biden the very best.”