merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny tonight attended the White House reception to mark St Patrick's day. The reception included speeches by President Barack Obama, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Vice President Joe Biden. At the conclusion of the speeches, the Taoiseach  presented the traditional bowl of shamrocks to President Obama.

Speaking at the reception, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said:

Yes, our challenges are tough. But we meet them head on. And because we know that every nation becomes what it 'envisions', we are envisioning success, this time a more authentic success...

Mr President, like you we believe Ireland' s best days are still ahead. Like you, we believe that our greatest triumphs are still to come. When you came to Ireland, like your predecessor John F Kennedy, you made us dream again.

On these days of St Patrick we hope that you will fulfil his promise, to come home again in the Springtime.

President Obama said:

For all the remarkable things the Irish have done in the course of human history  - keeping alive the flame of knowledge in dark ages; outlasting a great hunger; forging a peace that once seemed impossible - the green strands they have woven into America's heart, from their tiniest villages through our greatest cities, is something truly unique on the world stage. These strands of affection will never fray, nor will they come undone.

Watch the full video of the reception below, courtesy of Whitehouse.gov...