Joe Kennedy III: Politics, Peace & Public Service - Belfast, Boston & Beyond
In something of an epilogue to our “Lost in Belfast” series, former U.S. Congressman and U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joseph Kennedy III joins Irish Stew for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, peace, and public service. From the streets of Belfast to the tumult of Washington, Kennedy reflects on the lessons Northern Ireland can teach the wider world, the legacy of his famed family, and where his own journey is headed next.
Joe provides his deeply personal perspective on the remarkable transformation of Northern Ireland from conflict to cautious cooperation. While acknowledging the divisions that remain, he points to the extraordinary resilience of its people and leaders. For him, Northern Ireland offers a living example of what can be achieved when reconciliation and restraint guide politics, a message that resonates far beyond Ireland’s shores.
On a more personal note, Kennedy reflects on the deep imprint of public service in his own family story. He describes it as more of a calling than a career choice, whether through elected office, advocacy, or movements like the Special Olympics. His commitment continues through the Groundwork Project, an initiative supporting civic engagement in often-overlooked communities across America, seeking to rebuild trust between citizens and the political process through a strategy rooted not in messaging alone but in genuine listening and local empowerment, and through Citizens Energy, the green energy nonprofit his father founded.
Looking ahead, Kennedy sees promise in Belfast’s growth, from education and innovation to its growing spirit of community, bridging past struggles with future possibilities.
For Kennedy, service remains the thread tying it all together, whether in politics, community work, or renewable energy.
Join us for this Global Irish Conversation on politics, peace and public service in Belfast, Boston, and beyond with #JK3.
Links:
Joe’s “Seamus Plug”
Social media
Groundwork Project
Citizens Energy Corporation
Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 26; Total Episode Count: 129
00:00 - Introduction
01:29 - Northern Ireland Reflections
03:59 - Lessons For the US From Northern Ireland
10:51 - What Can be Agreed Upon
12:33 - The Role and Impact of the US Special Envoy
15:46 - Kennedy Family Legacy and Public Service
20:36 - The Groundwork Project: Grassroots Engagement
25:08 - Explaining Donald Trump's Electoral Success
30:42 - Rebuilding the Democratic Response
38:22 - Social Media and Politics
41:24 - Belfast's Changing Skyline
44:57 - Future Focus
46:14 - Seamus Plug
47:54 - John and Martin Recap
49:38 - Credits
Joe Kennedy III
Politician / Diplomat / Social Entrepreneur / Lawyer
Over four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Joseph Kennedy III built an impressive legislative record around economic policy, health care, and civil rights. Representing a district that spanned from the suburbs of Boston to the proud post-industrial communities along Massachusetts’ South Coast, Mr. Kennedy sat on the House Energy & Commerce committee and spearheaded bipartisan efforts to extend mental health coverage, support the domestic manufacturing industry, protect consumer voices online, make hearing aids more affordable, and defend access to legal assistance for struggling families.
From 2022 through 2024 he served as U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs.
Today, Mr. Kennedy also serves as Managing Director at Citizens Energy, a non-profit energy company founded to help low-income families meet their basic energy needs. Through innovative programming, Citizens has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to benefit millions of families across the United States. He is the founder of Groundwork Project, an advocacy organization dedicated to supporting local community organizing efforts in under-resourced and historically disenfranchised communities. He also serves on the boards of the Woodwell Climate Research Center, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.
Kennedy was elected to Congress in 2012, after serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Massachusetts. He attended Stanford University and Harvard … Read More
