America’s commitment to Ireland remains “steadfast and strong”, US vice-president Kamala Harris said on Wednesday as she held her first bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Speaking from her ceremonial office at the White House, Ms Harris said she had been “very excited” to learn that one of her responsibilities as vice-president was to host the annual St Patrick’s Day breakfast. “Your own election, Madame vice-president, has written history at many levels,” the Taoiseach said, extending an invitation to Ms Harris to visit Ireland. The former senator spoke about the economic ties between Ireland and America, referencing her own home state of California, the headquarters of many American and Irish technology companies. As a nation we are far stronger for the diversity that now powers and enriches Ireland, just as America is.

Source: The Irish Times March 17, 2021 21:45 UTC