Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Joe Biden held a virtual St. Patrick's Day meeting Thursday as Mr. Martin has tested positive and is isolating in Washington, D.C.
He was supposed to be at the White House today for a head to head meeting with the president, to present Biden with the traditional bowl of shamrock, and then attend a reception at the White House hosted by the president and first lady.
Even though the two were separated they covered considerable ground.
The two discussed a number of topics, including Ukraine, the pandemic and the Good Friday Agreement, this according to an RTE report.
Stated the RTE report: "Mr. Biden said he regretted they could not meet in person.
Quoting WB Yeats, Mr. Biden described the impact the Russian invasion of Ukraine has had on the world.
"'All changed, changed utterly - a terrible beauty has been born,'" he told the taoiseach.
Mr. Biden said Irish leadership on the Ukraine issue has been "noticeable and impressive".
Mr. Martin spoke about the need for a "unity of purpose".
President Biden, added the RTE report, praised the willingness of Ireland to take in refugees, stating: "What Ireland is doing now, what you are doing, taking in Ukrainian refugees, speak so loudly about your principles. And it's amazing and I want to publicly compliment you for it.
"I think you've already brought in over 7,000 or so refugees from Ukraine, and you're prepared to do more. So thank you."
The taoiseach told Mr. Biden: "Ireland stands ready to do everything we possibly can on the humanitarian front and in supporting the broadest and widest sanctions possible to keep the pressure on and to get this war ended."
He also thanked Mr. Biden for U.S. support for the Good Friday Agreement.
He praised the "steadfast support", referencing how "important the Good Friday Agreement is in respect of stability and peace on the island of Ireland."
"Over the last number of days as I've been here we've also witnessed, once again, that two-way, very robust economic relationship between the United States and Ireland."
Mr. Martin, was meeting virtually for the second year in a row with President Biden. Last year Mr. Martin was in Ireland.
"This year, we're meeting virtually across the road, so we're getting closer," Martin joked.
The taoiseach's positive result was discovered on the eve of his planned meeting in the Oval Office with President Biden. Mr. Martin is self-isolating and is described as feeling well. He had taken a test ahead of the meeting with the president in the Oval Office, this after a member of his delegation tested positive. Mr. Martin will now have to remain in Washington for ten days.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi was about to make an award to the Taoiseach at Wednesday evening's Ireland Funds dinner. Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Dan Mulhall stepped onto the stage and explained to the 700 guests that the taoiseach had tested positive for Covid-19. Mr. Mulhall spoke to the gathering and accepted the award on Mr. Martin's behalf.
From across the Atlantic President Michael D. Higgins expressed his concern and sent the taoiseach his best.
In a statement, the president said: “I was so very sorry to learn of this news breaking while the Taoiseach was busy representing Ireland in the United States leading up to our National Day. The Taoiseach has had a gruelling schedule working for our country over recent weeks. I know that this work is continuing as he takes the necessary steps following his positive test. I wish the Taoiseach a speedy recovery and also wish him further success with the continuation of his programme in Washington, and in overcoming the necessary constraints involved. Sabina joins me in sending our good wishes to the Taoiseach and to his wife, Mary. Go raibh biseach air go luath.”
