St Patrick’s Day White House visit seen as ‘key objective’

A VISIT by Taoiseach Micheál Martin to the White House is a “key objective” of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day plans, the Irish Independent can reveal.

As Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th US president, it can be revealed advance planning is under way by government officials and diplomats to ensure Mr Martin can travel to Washington to meet his counterpart in March.

Under the plans being discussed, a small delegation will travel to Washington for a scaled-back state visit to coincide with St Patrick’s Day.

A government source said a meeting between Mr Martin and Mr Biden in the Oval Office is a “key objective” for those planning international events linked to Ireland’s national holiday.

“There is a desire that the bilateral meeting between the Taoiseach and President Biden goes ahead as scheduled, and detailed discussions are taking place,” the source said.

Micheál Martin said that a visit from Mr Biden was likely

Central to the proposed visit will be a meeting in the Oval Office between the two leaders and their advisers.

There are doubts over whether the famous Shamrock Ceremony in the East Room of the White House can be held, but consideration is being given to holding the event.

However, it is unlikely that other major events – such as the Ireland Fund dinner and a traditional function hosted by the Irish Ambassador to the US – will go ahead.

Last week, Mr Martin said: “When I invited presidentelect Biden to Ireland he just said ‘try and keep me out’, so it won’t be any lack of enthusiasm.

“But I think we’ll be practical about it. It’s early days yet. Obviously Covid will have a significant impact on all bilateral relations, contacts and meetings.”

In the Dáil yesterday Mr Martin indicated a visit by President Biden to Ireland was likely. “We look forward to welcoming him to Ireland during his presidency,” Mr Martin said.