But the incoming Taoiseach has warned that Theresa May's Government cannot get "too close" to any party in Northern Ireland.

His comments - effectively putting the visit on hold - were said to have been made in a telephone call in "recent weeks".

Latest: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Ireland has condemned the attack in Manchester.

NOW that British Prime Minister May has triggered Article 50, many voters in Northern Ireland and Scotland find themselves peering through Alice’s Looking Glass at a transformed world they did not ask to visit.

The UK economy grew by 0.6% for a third consecutive quarter in the final three months of 2016, continuing its impressive post-Brexit referendum vote performance. 

Royal Bank of Scotland chairman Howard Davies indicated the UK taxpayer-owned bank would probably pick Dublin as its EU base following Brexit and may have to move “tens” of employees from Britain to other offices.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan will press senior Republicans in the US about the thousands of undocumented Irish when he visits Washington this week.

Enda Kenny is being told to step up Ireland's response to Brexit amid warnings Theresa May's blueprint will reimpose a hard border on the island.

An emergency EU foreign ministers' meeting called to discuss Donald Trump's shock US election victory has been snubbed by Britain's Boris Johnson.

Opposition parties have demanded Enda Kenny “stand up to” Theresa May in Brexit talks after they accused him of being “very flat-footed” in his response to date.