Trump touts Irish ties, but jokes about country’s taxes

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump stressed the close ties between Ireland and America at a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon Thursday, though he joked that the country was a “tough one to compete with” on taxes.

Trump appeared with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar as part of a day of joint events marking the holiday, including a one-on-one visit at the White House. Both leaders spoke at a luncheon at the U.S. Capitol with Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan.

After noting a number of famous Irish Americans, Trump said: “Whenever there’s a problem, you call, we’ll solve it.”

Amid laughter, he added: “Except for trade ... They’ve got those taxes so low. You’re a tough one to compete with on the taxes.” Trump recently signed a massive tax cut into law, aimed at levelling the playing field with countries like Ireland that have low corporate taxes.

Varadkar — the recently elected Irish leader, or Taoiseach — said the two had a good meeting, noting that they spoke about Irish people living in the U.S. illegally, the negotiations over the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland and trade.

“I think we can have a new fair trade, free trade deal between Europe and America, and there’s no better man to make a deal than President Trump,” Varadkar said.

Ryan also referenced trade, albeit in jest. “The Guinness does taste better in Ireland but I realize this isn’t the year to bring up trade issues,” he said.

During a sit-down with Varadkar at the White House, Trump was asked if he would visit Ireland. The president said: “I will. I love it.” He offered no further details.

The 39-year-old Varadkar is Ireland’s youngest prime minister. He’s the son of an Indian immigrant and the first openly gay politician in the post.