US President Joe Biden expresses ‘deep, deep affection for Ireland’

Historic first meeting between Micheál Martin and Joe Biden focuses on the North, Covid-19, and a state visit here

US President Joe Biden hosts Taoiseach Micheál Martin during a virtual St Patrick's Day visit at the White House. Picture: Jim Watson /AFP via Getty Images

A historic first meeting between Taoiseach Micheál Martin and US president Joe Biden was dominated by a renewed commitment to peace in the North, the fight against Covid-19, and the promise of a state visit here.

The 80-minute bilateral meeting, held virtually, was the centrepiece of a hectic day of engagements for Mr Martin with US leaders, including vice president Kamala Harris and house speaker Nancy Pelosi.