Foreign Pool Report #6 - St Patrick’s event and lid

The traditional St Patrick's Day event started at 5.47PM.

Irish Taoiseach entered the East Room together with his wife Mary O'Shea, standing on either side of President Trump as the American president spoke for about 14 minutes.

Taoiseach Martin in his speech noted that three of the 56 signatories of the U.S. declaration of independence were born on the Island of Ireland.

"Those who came to America seeking refuge from poverty and hunger at home worked hard. They helped build the railroads that connected this country and the skylines that defined it. Others served their communities and their adopted home as firefighters, teachers, nurses, doctors, policemen and soldiers. Irish people can now be found in almost every industry and community across the United States. Mr. President, Irish Americans have lived the American Dream.

Mr. Martin also focused on economic issues noting that Ireland is among the top ten countries when it comes to foreign direct investment into the US.

"Let us continue to work together to make sure that we maintain that mutually beneficial two way economic relationship that has allowed innovation and creativity and prosperity to thrive"

The Taoiseach also praised President Trump's efforts to bring peace in the Middle East and Ukraine, noting that "The story of peace in Ireland" was one both countries "wrote together".

"We know building peace is a difficult and painstaking task, but when the United States of America puts its shoulder to the wheel, there is no mountain it cannot move."

"Conflict and war hurt the most wonderful. Too many children, in particular in Gaza, in Israel, in Sudan and too many children have been abducted in Ukraine. Let us together, deliver peace prosperity and opportunity for all of the world's children. that would be an extraordinary achievement for the transatlantiv relationship, and an extraordinary legacy for the ages."

Last but not least, Mr. Martin said to Mr. Trump "I hope we can welcome you to Ireland soon".

Event ended at 6.12PM with President Trump receiving the traditional Shamrock bowl.

Shortly after, the White house press office called a travel/photo lid at 6.28.

As far as your pooler knows the Irish delegation was still in or around the East room at the time of lid.

Fouad Youcefi

Swedish Public Broadcaster, SVT

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