Taoiseach Micheál Martin and US Vice President JD Vance have had a warm exchange of words at a breakfast meeting at the Vice President’s residence in Washington DC.

Mr Vance said the breakfast was to remind people of the strength of the relationship between Ireland and the US.

He said that during a visit to Ireland, he noted its “beautiful” landscapes and “interesting technological growth”.

“One of the things we try to do with this breakfast is just remind people of the important bonds of friendship between the United States and Ireland,” he said.

US Vice President JD Vance showing off his Shamrock socks while speaking at a breakfast meeting he hosted at his official residence in Washington DC for the visit by Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Picture date: Wednesday March 12, 2025. Image: Alamy

Sporting a pair of shamrock socks which he showed to the room, Mr Vance added: “The President is a very big fan of conservative dress, and so if he notices these socks, you have to defend this as an important part of cementing the Irish-American relationship.”

Mr Martin thanked Mr Vance for his “warm welcome and hospitality” and joked that he would need to “adjust very rapidly” his “conservative” dress sense after seeing Mr Vance’s socks.

 

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“The United States has been a steadfast friend of Ireland for centuries, indeed, the United States was the first country to recognise our long, sought independence,” Mr Martin said.

“Together, we have built deep and enduring political, cultural and economic bonds, greatly enriching our two nations in the process.”

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his wife Mary meeting US Vice President JD Vance and wife Usha at the official residence of the US Vice President in Washington DC, as part of his week long visit to the US. Picture date: Wednesday March 12, 2025. Image: Alamy

Mr Martin invited Vice President Vance to visit Ireland again.

Among those at the meeting are US health secretary Robert F Kennedy and Ireland’s ambassador to the US Geraldine Byrne Nason.

The Taoiseach will later take part in a highly-anticipated meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, before an event where he will hand the US president a bowl of shamrock.

Many have urged the Taoiseach to discuss the war in Gaza with the US President, but former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer doesn't think that would be the best move.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a breakfast meeting hosted by US Vice President JD Vance at his official residence in Washington DC, , as part of his week long visit to the US. Picture date: Wednesday March 12, 2025. Image: Alamy

“Right now, the US is working to get the hostages back, to stop the killing in Gaza,” he said.

“You know, I don't know that that's probably the hill to die on for Ireland.

“It wants to come in and bring up an issue that's not directly impacting Ireland.

“I don't know that that might be the smartest diplomatic move.”

US Vice President JD Vance greeting Micheal Martin at a breakfast meeting he hosted at his official residence in Washington DC for the visit by the Taoiseach. Picture date: Wednesday March 12, 2025. Image: Alamy