“It’s not about a bowl of shamrock.”
Micheál Martin has said that he has made “no decision” as to whether he is going to America on St Patrick’s Day.
Speaking to Cork’s RedFM, he cited Ireland’s strong relationship with the US as a potential reason for going, but also said that no official invite has been made by Joe Biden just yet.
He said that “most governments would give their right arm” to have the opportunities Ireland does on St Patrick’s Day.
When discussing whether or not he will simply Zoom call Joe Biden, Martin said that “it’s not just about what looks good optically”, and that he is determined to forge a good relationship with the newly elected US President.
He said that the meetings are not just “about a bowl of shamrock”, and that there are many reasons why his attendance is important.
An Taoiseach also said that he is yet to be vaccinated, but said that there may be a possibility of him being vaccinated if he is to make the trip to Washington.
He also defended Ireland’s vaccine rollout so far, saying that sticking with the EU’s decisions was the best thing for the country.
He said: “I don’t think Ireland would have been in a very competitive position on its own competing for scarce vaccines against bigger states.”
It has already been announced that a virtual parade will replace the official St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ireland this year, due to Covid restrictions.
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