LINCOLN — A newly proposed state law to create a Nebraska-Ireland trade commission brought some extra Irish charm and attention to the State Capitol this week. The president and speaker of Ireland’s Senate, Mark Daly, joined Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature John Arch in touting the value of Arch-led legislation they expect would open doors for Nebraskans to Irish business and academic exchanges, as well as to 26 other countries in the European Union.

Said Arch: “Sometimes it’s extremely difficult to know, Where is the door? How do you actually find the opportunity to trade into the European Union? This is what Ireland is offering to us. They can help facilitate that.”

Plus, there’s the cultural bond. Roughly 12% of Nebraskans claim Irish roots. “We have a lot of Irish people in Nebraska, a lot of descendants, a lot of heritage,” Arch said in an interview alongside Daly. “It’s a natural fit.” If Legislative Bill 1087 passes, Nebraska would join 25 other states that have formed similar commissions with the “Emerald Isle” nation on the western edge of Europe, said Arch, who introduced the bill on Thursday.

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