Why Ireland needs its ministers to stroll in the world's 'St Patty's Day' parade 

St Patrick's Day provides the Government with an unparalleled opportunity to network and build trade, tourism, economic, educational, agricultural and political links

Taoiseach Micheál Martin poses for a photo with Irish Ambassador Daniel Mulhall, third left, members of Tourism Ireland and cast members of 'Riverdance' during a reception event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Thursday should have been a big day for Micheál Martin, both personally and politically.

It was to be the first time in 12 years that a Fianna Fáil Taoiseach set foot in the Oval Office after Covid cancelled the annual trip to the White House last year - a positive Covid test has robbed Mr Martin of that opportunity and it will have to be another virtual meeting with Joe Biden.