The Taoiseach will meet the US President at the White House later today.
Leo Varadkar is expected to raise Gaza, Ukraine, Northern Ireland and the undocumented Irish with Joe Biden – but he has already said he won’t be raising ‘uncomfortable truths’ or upbraiding him about US foreign policy.
Leo Varadkar flew into Washington on Wednesday and has been attending events with the Irish American community in the days since.
Today, however, is the highlight of his trip.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during a visit to the home of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, 12-03-2024. Image: PA Images / AlamyThe day begins with a visit to the home of US Vice President Kamala Harris for breakfast.
He will also attend the official St. Patrick’s Day Lunch at the US Capitol – an event hosted by Speaker Mike Johnson, where Leo Varadkar will once again try to get his point across on Gaza.
From there he will head on towards the Oval Office.
The Irish Ambassador’s residence in Washington is pretty swish 👌🏻 pic.twitter.com/L4a6BvTHDn
— Shane Beatty 🎙️ (@ShaneBeattyNews) March 14, 2024
Today is not the Taoiseach’s only opportunity to chat with the US President – he is due back at the White House on Sunday for the official Shamrock Bowl presentation.
The big question will be what Joe Biden's response is when the Taoiseach calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
It also remains to be seen whether Leo Varadkar will voice any criticism of America's support for Israel.
We are told Ireland's access to the White House for St. Patricks day is the envy of the world and today that will be put to the test.
Leo Varadkar's team, meanwhile, will be keen to point out that Ireland is the hardest soft power in the world.
Additional reporting Michael Staines.
