President Donald J. Trump has invited Irish leader Michael Martin to the White House celebrations for St. Patrick's Day. RollingNews
The arrival of an invitation from US President Donald Trump to attend the White House for the St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 12 removes doubts previously held that this traditional annual meeting would not go ahead.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin's office has confirmed that they have received US President Donald J. Trump's invitation to attend a meeting at the Oval Office in the White House over St. Patrick's Day.
The receipt of the invitations removes previous doubts voiced over the engagement, which annually reaffirms the countries' bonds.
The Taoiseach will attend the traditional breakfast hosted by US Vice President J.D. Vance on the morning of March 12, followed by the meeting with Trump in the Oval Office.
He will then attend the Speakers’ lunch on Capitol Hill. This annual event brings together the most senior Irish American politicians in the US.
That evening it is expected a reception will be held, at which Martin will present the US president with a bowl of shamrock, the Irish Times reports.
In the invitation, Trump congratulated Martin on his recent appointment and highlighted the special bond between the Irish and American people, RTÉ News reports.
A spokesperson for Martin said: “The Taoiseach is pleased to have received an invitation from President Trump to visit the White House to celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 12.
“He is delighted to accept and looks forward to meeting the President.
“The Embassy in Washington will continue to engage with the White House team on the details of our visit.”
Irish leader, Taoiseach Michael Martin.
Officials in Ireland's government had been confident that an invitation from Washington D.C. would arrive while others expressed concerns about the 2025 invite due to Donald Trump's strained ties with the European Union. There were also calls from Irish opposition parties for the Irish leader not to attend.
The Irish American meeting has become part of the annual St. Patrick's Day traditions in Washington, dating back to 1953 when Ireland’s ambassador John Hearne presented a bowl of shamrock to President Dwight Eisenhower.
The meeting is now at the center of the Irish government's diplomatic push for St. Patrick's Day as Irish politicians travel to events across the world. This year, 38 representatives of the State will "bring Ireland’s message" to more than 90 cities in 40 countries.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will travel to Austin, Texas, prior to visiting with President Donald Trump.
Speaking to RTE's "Morning Ireland," Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said the Taoiseach will handle the event will great diplomacy and tact.
O'Callaghan said, "I don't think we should become too concerned about the identity of the person that holds the office of President of the United States."