Biden to make trip to Ireland

The US vice-president, Joe Biden, is to fulfil a long-standing promise to come to Ireland later this year, when he is expected to visit his ancestral home in the Taoiseach’s native Co Mayo.

He informed Enda Kenny of his plans at the traditional St Patrick’s Day breakfast, which took place at Mr Biden’s residence at Observatory Circle in Washington DC.

During a similar event in March 2011, Mr Biden signalled his wish to come to Mayo, and promised the Taoiseach a round of golf. However, it is understood that the President, Barack Obama, told Mr Biden to hold off until after his own visit to Ireland.