A limited-edition copy of *Ulysses* along with Donegal wool socks were among the items exchanged during a meeting between Taoiseach Micheál Martin and US Vice President JD Vance.
Martin began what he called an “unforgettable day” with a breakfast meeting alongside Mr Vance at his official residence in Washington DC, reports Breaking News.
The Taoiseach, joined by his wife Mary, met the vice president and the second lady of the United States at Number One Observatory Circle.
This engagement forms a customary element of the Irish premier’s yearly visit to Washington to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and comes ahead of a bilateral meeting with the US president, reports Breaking News.
In a brief speech before the breakfast, Mr Vance stated that Ireland remains a key economic and trade partner, noting that around 375,000 jobs in the US are linked to the country in some capacity.
He added: “But I actually think that understates the cultural friendship between the United States and Ireland. So many of the greatest Americans were people who came from Ireland or their families came from Ireland. In the Republican Party, of course, we revere Ronald Reagan, a great Irishman and a great president of the United States,” reports Breaking News,
Vance remarked that many Americans know someone who shares a “deep connection” with Ireland.
He added: “We love it and we admired it, and we cherished the incredible friendships that we have and the great things that Ireland has done for the United States of America,” reports Breaking News,
Vance, who hosted a similar meeting with the Taoiseach the previous year, said he is “very grateful” for his friendship with Mr Martin and for “everything that unites the people of Ireland and the United States of America”.
The breakfast gathering was also attended by US ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh and Stripe chief executive Patrick Collison, reports Breaking News.
Vance mentioned that attendees would receive a gift bag containing a pint glass and “Donegal-style” wool socks.
The vice president himself wore shamrock-patterned socks in celebration of St Patrick’s Day, reports Breaking News.
He noted that this year’s pair was “slightly more muted” compared to those he wore in the Oval Office the previous year, joking that US President Donald Trump had “bust my chops”.
Martin also presented Vance with a special edition copy of *Ulysses*, reports Breaking News.
During his speech, the Taoiseach praised the “welcome” and “hospitality” shown by the Vance couple.
Martin’s remarks highlighted the historical connections between Ireland and the United States, including their respective struggles for independence, reports Breaking News.
He said: “Just one mile from where we sit this morning is Robert Emmet Memorial Park, named in honour of the Irish patriot who led a rebellion against the British in 1803.
“And in a famous speech from the dock before he was put to death, he declared: ‘I wish to procure for my country the guarantee which Washington procured for America’,” reports Breaking News,
Martin stated that children from “rich and diverse traditions” across Ireland have “made their mark” in the United States.
He added: “Throughout the 250 years since America proudly raised the flag for freedom, Ireland’s sons and daughters sought to repay the gift of opportunity through service to their new homeland, reports Breaking News,
“Irish workers helped craft the skylines of America’s great cities and fortify the fabric of communities across the land.
“Immigrants from my home county of Cork moved to Ohio, where they built the roads, canals and railways, which literally laid the foundations of American greatness,” reports Breaking News,
The Taoiseach said: “The Scots-Irish who mostly came to Pennsylvania and the Appalachians – an area very close to your heart – brought not only their strong work ethic, but also fiddle tunes, which melded with the African-American banjo to gift to the world bluegrass.
“As firefighters, police officers, nurses, farmers and presidents – 23 of whom have had Irish heritage – our exiled children from all the rich and diverse traditions across our island have made their mark on this proud land,” reports Breaking News,
In turn, Mr Martin said the United States played a role in helping to build peace on the island of Ireland.
He said: “America’s unwavering support over decades and from both sides of the aisle made this possible. At the darkest and bleakest of times, you – all of you in this room – kept the faith. And today that work continues. Parties from across the political spectrum in Northern Ireland, along with the Irish and British governments, continue to work hard to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement. It enables us to deal comprehensively with the legacy of the past and to engage all the communities and traditions on our island around the shared present and future,” reports Breaking News.
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