Overview
- After completing a Philadelphia program, the Taoiseach is proceeding to Washington for a bilateral with President Trump on Tuesday.
- He told reporters in Philadelphia that the conflict in Iran is the primary topic he intends to raise, calling for a swift end to the fighting and safeguards for civilians.
- The visit includes the White House St Patrick’s Day reception and traditional shamrock presentation on 17 March.
- Opposition parties in Dublin urged him to explicitly condemn US‑Israeli strikes on Iran as illegal, while the Government has stuck to calls for de-escalation.
- Northern Ireland leaders are divided on engagement with the White House, with Emma Little-Pengelly attending and Michelle O’Neill joining a Sinn Féin boycott.