(a) The Legislature finds that:(a) Over seven percent (7%) of Mississippi’s 2022 population is of Irish descent, making it the third largest ancestry in the Magnolia State, with more than two hundred ten thousand (210,000) citizens claiming heritage from the Emerald Isle. Irish settlers came to Mississippi in several waves of immigration, and their legacy includes business and industry, political, religious, and civic activity. Former Mississippi Governor Gerard Brandon was the grandson of Irish immigrants; and(b) Beyond historical ties, the Irish have long been important to Mississippi’s economy. Based on federal data, Ireland is Mississippi’s twelfth largest foreign trade partner, representing industries such as agriculture, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. With a stable political environment and growing economy, Ireland is poised to advance bilateral trade and investment through direct relationships with Mississippi businesses, elected leaders, educational institutions, and markets.
(a) Over seven percent (7%) of Mississippi’s 2022 population is of Irish descent, making it the third largest ancestry in the Magnolia State, with more than two hundred ten thousand (210,000) citizens claiming heritage from the Emerald Isle. Irish settlers came to Mississippi in several waves of immigration, and their legacy includes business and industry, political, religious, and civic activity. Former Mississippi Governor Gerard Brandon was the grandson of Irish immigrants; and
(b) Beyond historical ties, the Irish have long been important to Mississippi’s economy. Based on federal data, Ireland is Mississippi’s twelfth largest foreign trade partner, representing industries such as agriculture, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. With a stable political environment and growing economy, Ireland is poised to advance bilateral trade and investment through direct relationships with Mississippi businesses, elected leaders, educational institutions, and markets.