By Bairbre Holmes, Press AssociationThe 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”. 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”.

Source: The Herald January 20, 2026 14:52 UTC