Taoiseach's visit to White House for St Patrick's Day will go ahead under Trump, Government says
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have both congratulated President Trump on his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States and in doing so stressed the strong historic and cultural ties between both countries. Picture: Kevin Lamarque via AP
Government officials are planning for a full itinerary of St Patrick's Day events under Donald Trump, despite mounting concerns around the impact his presidency will have on Ireland.
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have both congratulated President Trump on his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States and in doing so stressed the strong historic and cultural ties between both countries.
President Trump has vowed to cut corporation taxes and bring the profits of US companies back to America.
In his inauguration speech, President Trump promised to "tariff and tax foreign countries" to enrich the American exchequer.
He announced he would be setting up an external revenue service, which he said would result in "massive" amounts of finances flowing back to the US.
However, Government sources have insisted preparation for the annual visit to the White House by the taoiseach will continue as normal and they have been given no indication so far that the schedule of official events will be curtailed under President Trump.
"We are working on the presumption that it is going ahead, you only ever get the official invite in the second or third week of February. We are presuming it is going to be along the usual lines and we are planning for that," said one source.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said the Government very much looked forward to cooperating with President Trump and his administration in the months and years ahead.
"In doing so, we will be building on the strong, enduring, and dynamic relationship between our two countries, a relationship that draws strength from our deep, historical, people-to-people connections, the support of the US with peace on this island, as well as our growing and mutually beneficial economic relationship," he said.
Mr Harris warned the world faces many challenges, including conflict, climate change, threats to democracy, and the need to secure economic growth and stability.
"As ever, US leadership will be essential if we are to confront these challenges together and to prevail.
"President Trump is, of course, no stranger to Ireland, having visited on a number of occasions. He has invested in this country and its people, through his magnificent golf links in Doonbeg. I hope that we will have the opportunity to welcome him back during his term."
Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who is expected to be appointed taoiseach on Wednesday and will be in line to meet President Trump for the St Patrick's Day events, also stressed the close ties that are "built on generations".
"The relationship between our countries has matured into a rich, dynamic and mutually beneficial political and economic partnership. Our two-way economic relationship exceeds €1trn every year. Our task is to further strengthen this partnership, and to create sustainable jobs and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic," he said.
"I am looking forward to working with President Trump and his administration to further strengthen and advance our common interests and shared prosperity," said Mr Martin.
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