Trump praises Ireland, but the Taoiseach’s smiles hide a more awkward reality

Trump’s mix of charm and tough talk left the Taoiseach smiling — but beneath the flattery lay trade warnings and tax tensions

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and US President Donald Trump during the St Patrick's Day Reception and Shamrock Ceremony in the the East Room of the White House, in Washington DC, as part of his week long visit to the US. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

It was only a brief conversation, but Trump the charmer was all smiles in the Oval Office when I grabbed a private moment with him.

At the end of 50 minutes of questions with the press, I loitered behind to ask the president if he would be coming to Ireland for the Ryder Cup.