Taoiseach defends ‘brief’ trip to US

By Cillian Sherlock, PA in Washington, DC

The Taoiseach has hit back at criticism of his curtailed two-day trip to Washington DC.

The initial schedule for the trip included a large reception for hundreds of guests in the White House’s Rose Garden to mark the centenary of diplomatic relations between the US and Ireland.

The event was called off due to the US administration’s shifting focus to the hurricane which was barrelling towards Florida.

Several opposition politicians have said Mr Harris should not have accepted the invitation to the White House – while Sinn Féin described the visit as a “wasted opportunity” on the Middle East.

Speaking to reporters at the final event of his itinerary, Mr Harris hit back at characterisations of the White House engagement as a glorified photo opportunity.

He further said it was “absolutely absurd” to suggest the visit was a waste of time and money.

The Taoiseach said he had raised the issues of the UK Government’s Legacy Act, undocumented Irish citizens in the US, and the conflict in the Middle East – including the situation of Ireland’s peacekeepers.

Mr Harris said: “Find me one other European prime minister who doesn’t want to spend nearly an hour talking to the President of the United States of America in the Oval Office.”

He said it is “very significant” to keep lines of communication open with the US administration.

He added: “I’m not sure of any moment in our history, and I’m not sure of any moment in the future where a Taoiseach of Ireland – whoever he or she is – would not wish to take the opportunity to engage with the United States.”

The Taoiseach concluded: “This has been a brief but productive, important and – I hope – impactful trip.”