Taoiseach: Obama responded 'warmly' to Ireland visit

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is beginning his US visit with a series of meetings with business leaders and economic advisors.

It comes ahead of a high-profile meeting this evening with Timothy Geitner, the US Treasury Secretary and one of the most powerful people in the Obama administration.

The Taoiseach has said this afternoon that President Obama responded warmly when he invited him to Ireland on the telephone last week and he will be raising a visit again tomorrow when he travels to the White House.

On economic matters and reassuring US investors Mr Kenny said Secretary Geitner will be a "powerful friend".