Taoiseach presents shamrock bowl to Donald Trump as St Patrick's Day visit wraps up

Micheál Martin also addressed both the war in Iran and Ukraine

At the ceremony with US president Donald Trump, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:'Like other small countries, we see international rules and order, including the United Nations, as essential to our peace and security and that of the world.' Picture: Niall Carson/PA 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin presented a bowl of shamrock to US President Donald Trump, as he wraps up his trip to America for St Patrick's Day.

"The shamrock ceremony is always a uniquely special moment. It is a symbol of friendship, a friendship between our peoples which is older than our Republics," Mr Martin said.

Mr Trump said they were gathered to celebrate the "incredible feat of friendship" between Ireland and the US.

"I feel like I have Irish blood", he said.

He also referred to Ireland's $42bn (€36bn) trade deficit, saying the country will need to "buy a lot of energy" from the US.

The Taoiseach said Ireland is a small country and needs free trade to "make our way in the world".

"We like to see as few barriers and tariffs get in the way of that."

Mr Martin also addressed both the war in Iran and Ukraine, saying there are too many people dying in wars across various countries.

"Like other small countries, we see international rules and order, including the United Nations, as essential to our peace and security and that of the world," he said.

"Our own recent history has convinced us that dialogue, negotiation, and de-escalation are the way to make progress.

"And we especially want to see progress and peace in the Middle East, as I know you do.

"We also need a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. Too many people are dying as a result of conflict in the world — we owe it to them all to create a better future."