Donald Trump invites Taoiseach to visit White House to mark St Patrick's Day

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has been invited for a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House to mark St Patrick’s Day. Picture: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has been invited for a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House to mark St Patrick’s Day.

The receipt of an invite removes doubt over the engagement which acts as an important link between the two countries.

The invitation is for Wednesday March 12 — the week before St Patrick's Day.

The invite comes in the first year of the second Trump administration, when the issues of tariffs and trade are high on the agenda.

Mr Trump on Wednesday threatened a 25% tariff on all goods going from the EU to the US.

Government officials had insisted the invitation was always expected, but some doubt had arisen amid strained ties between the European Union and Mr Trump’s administration.

It has become an annual diary marking for the Taoiseach to hold a bilateral meeting with the sitting US President in the Oval Office around St Patrick’s Day.

Some doubt had arisen over the visit due to strains between the EU and Mr Trump’s administration (Pool via AP)

The President is also gifted a bowl of shamrock as part of the visit.

The meeting acts as the centrepiece of the Government’s major diplomatic push for Ireland’s national day holiday, with most ministers travelling to destinations across the world.

Mr Martin is also due to travel to Austin, Texas prior to visiting the US capital.

Government figures stress that the overseas mission also strengthens cultural and economic relations across the US.

A spokesperson for Mr Martin said: “The Taoiseach is pleased to have received an invitation from President Trump to visit the White House to celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 12.

“He is delighted to accept and looks forward to meeting the President.

“The Embassy in Washington will continue to engage with the White House team on the details of our visit.”