The Taoiseach has faced harsh criticism for performing a U-turn in inviting US President Donald Trump to Ireland.

At exactly the same time as Taoiseach Enda Kenny was yesterday planting a commemorative tree in the US for those who died during the 1916 Rising, his own Government was at risk of a violent uprooting of its own.

Caretaker Taoiseach Enda Kenny has decided to cut short his St Patrick’s Day visit to the US next week.

Pope Francis made a little girl’s day yesterday with a lovely act of kindness.