Taoiseach confirms formal invite to White House on St Patrick's Day
The Taoiseach has been formally invited to visit the White House on St Patrick's Day.
Micheál Martin told the Cork Chamber business dinner on Friday that US President Donald Trump has invited him to the White House on March 17th.
Martin told the audience that Trump's letter "expresses that this visit would be an opportunity to celebrate the warm and historic friendship between the US and Ireland".
"The president also pays tribute to the Irish American community, who have made such an enormous contribution to the United States. He believes this is an opportunity to celebrate the special relationship between our two countries.
Ireland’s relationship with the United States is as old as their republic and it was a vital one in the foundation of ours. It is a relationship which has been strengthened through a shared commitment to engagement and understanding.
He said their economic contacts are of enormous value to both of countries "and this has at its foundation an open dialogue".
"Our cultural contacts are also of enormous value to both of our countries — and they have evolved through constant contact," he said.
"I am looking forward to my meetings in Washington and to celebrating the 250th anniversary of a democratic ideal which remains an inspiration.
"As we negotiate these challenging times, my focus in relations with all countries and especially in our critical relationships, is not on the short-term. It is on the long-term. On finding points of shared interest rather than opportunities for division."
Government officials had insisted the invitation was always expected, but comes against a backdrop of Trump's ongoing battles with the EU over issues such as trade, defence and Greenland.
The event has become an annual diary marking for the Taoiseach to hold a bilateral meeting with the sitting US president in the Oval Office around St Patrick’s Day.
The president is also gifted a bowl of shamrock as part of the visit.
The meeting acts as the centrepiece of the Government’s major diplomatic push for Ireland’s national day holiday, with most ministers travelling to destinations across the world.
Martin is also due to travel to Philadelphia.
