Elaine Loughlin: Texas visit a dry run for Taoiseach's meeting with Donald Trump

Mr Trump is a transactional politician who looks for business opportunities everywhere, and a hint on what message Mr Martin might be wise to take into the Oval office came from Texas governor Greg Abbott

Speaking before making his way to Washington for his much-anticipated tête-à-tête with Mr Trump, Micheál Martin (pictured) stressed Ireland’s need to invest in LNG, which the Government has confirmed is now firmly on the table.

“My decision to be here in Texas this week is an intentional one,” Micheál Martin told the gathered crowd in Austin.

The Taoiseach explained that Austin, with its substantial tech sector and creative industry, represents the opportunities to deepen the economic relationship between Ireland and the US.