US President Barack Obama praised Taoiseach Enda Kenny for his "great leadership during difficult times in Ireland" at their St. Patrick's Day meeting at the White House.

The President said the fact that good progress was being made in the Irish economy would benefit both Ireland and the US and he welcomed a US$15 billion deal between the Irish company Ryanair and Boeing.

"We'll be selling a whole lot of airplanes to Ireland, and it's an example of how the progress being made in Ireland benefits jobs and businesses in the United States" he said.

On his 5th meeting with an Irish Taoiseach Mr. Obama said he was grateful for the excuse to "stretch out St. Patrick's Day" and he thanked the Taoiseach for giving him the opportunity to "break out " his green tie.

'Incredible bond and history'

President Obama said "the reason these meetings go so well is because of the incredible bond and history between our two countries".

He spoke warmly of his visit to Ireland in 2011 claiming it was "one of the truly wonderful trips I've taken as President of the United States".

Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the president there is a "standing invitation" for him to return to Ireland.

Speaking after their meeting Mr. Kenny said the President indicated that he would like to make another visit to Ireland but that his schedule during the G8 Summit in Fermanagh is "complicated".