Taoiseach should visit White House amid Greenland row – Government minister

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

The Taoiseach should take up an invitation to visit the White House on St Patrick’s Day if one is extended, the Minister for Social Protection has said.

Dara Calleary was asked by reporters if the turmoil caused by US president Donald Trump over Greenland should cause Micheál Martin to reconsider the traditional annual trip.

He responded, “very few countries get the opportunity” of “access to the president of the United States of America on an annual basis for a number of hours”.

“It’s a chance for him, as he did last year, to discuss face to face with the president various issues.”

Mr Trump has threatened to hit eight European allies with 10 per cent tariffs from February 1 unless they agree to his purchase of Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory, and has refused to rule out using military force to seize the island.

Mr Calleary said: “At whatever point those issues will be, in the middle of March, it’ll be a chance for a face to face discussion for dialogue, which is always important at any time, particularly in times of pressure.”

He added it is “really important” dialogue and communication is “kept open”.

He said he hopes the Taoiseach would take up the opportunity “if the invitation arrives”.