The Daily Star Ireland
A total of 38 Irish government representatives will visit over 90 cities across 40 countries as part of the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris leading the diplomatic efforts.
The Cabinet has approved the extensive travel plans, which were brought forward by Simon Harris, highlighting Ireland’s commitment to strengthening global ties during the national holiday.
Key Visits to the United States
Several ministers, including Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, will visit the United States, where they will emphasize the deep economic and trade relationship between Ireland and the U.S., valued at over €1 trillion annually.
While there has been no official confirmation yet from the White House regarding the Taoiseach’s traditional St. Patrick’s Day visit, government officials have assured that this is not unusual, as such arrangements are typically finalized closer to March 17.
Martin is scheduled to visit Washington and Texas, while Harris will travel to New York and Philadelphia.
Throughout the visits, Irish ministers will stress Ireland’s economic success as a globally open market, as well as the importance of international partnerships and Irish investments abroad.
Martin Confident in White House Meeting
On his way to the Cabinet meeting, Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed confidence that he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump, reiterating that maintaining this tradition is essential, regardless of who holds the office.
“There is never actually a specific invitation. It just gets worked out between the two administrations. We’re anticipating the tradition will be continued again,” Martin stated.
He also emphasized the significance of these diplomatic visits, particularly given Ireland’s global trade position and the opportunity to connect with the Irish diaspora worldwide.
“There’s a particular focus on the United States this year, especially considering the expanded diplomatic presence we have established in various states over recent years,” he added.
Simon Harris Defends Taoiseach’s U.S. Visit
Tánaiste Simon Harris dismissed calls for the Taoiseach to skip the White House visit, arguing that such a decision would be against Ireland’s national interests.
His comments came in response to Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger, who had previously urged Micheál Martin to boycott the visit in protest of Trump’s policies.
Harris strongly defended the Taoiseach’s participation, emphasizing that Ireland must engage with the sitting U.S. President, regardless of who holds the office.
“I’ve heard some commentary suggesting that the Taoiseach shouldn’t go. That would be entirely against our national interest. It is crucial that Ireland maintains dialogue with the U.S. President, whoever that may be, as it strengthens our bilateral relations,” Harris stated.
SDLP Declines Washington Visit
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) has confirmed that it will not attend any St. Patrick’s Day events in Washington, marking the second consecutive year the party has chosen to boycott the celebrations due to the U.S. administration’s stance on Gaza.
Full List of Ministerial Travel Plans
Ministers Traveling to the United States:
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin – Texas and Washington, D.C.
- Tánaiste Simon Harris – New York and Philadelphia
- Darragh O’Brien – Miami and Los Angeles
- Peter Burke – Boston and New Hampshire
- Dara Calleary – Atlanta and Savannah
- Patrick O’Donovan – Seattle and San Francisco
- Jennifer Carroll MacNeill – UN Commission on the Status of Women, New York and Chicago
- Attorney General Rossa Fanning – Michigan and Montana
- Alan Dillon – Utah (and Vancouver, Canada)
Ministers Traveling to Other International Locations:
- Paschal Donohoe – Germany
- Jack Chambers – Chile and Argentina
- Norma Foley – London
- Helen McEntee – Australia
- Jim O’Callaghan – Italy, Holy See, and Malta
- James Browne – China
- James Lawless – India
- Mary Butler – Denmark and Sweden
- Hildegarde Naughton – Japan
- Noel Grealish – Vietnam and Cambodia
- Sean Canney – Brazil
- Thomas Byrne – France
- Charlie McConalogue – Colombia
- Kevin Boxer Moran – Portugal
- Emer Higgins – Western Australia
- Robert Troy – Czech Republic
- Neale Richmond – Kenya and Tanzania
- Jerry Buttimer – New Zealand
- John Cummins – Thailand and the Philippines
- Christopher O’Sullivan – Norway and Poland
- Kieran O’Donnell – Cardiff and Manchester
- Jennifer Murnane O’Connor – Greece and Cyprus
- Niall Collins – Mexico
- Niamh Smyth – Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
- Timmy Dooley – Canada
- Colm Brophy – Spain
- Marian Harkin – Netherlands and Belgium
Additional Visits:
- Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy – Switzerland
- Cathaoirleach Seanad (TBC) – Edinburgh
Ireland’s Global Diplomatic Effort for St. Patrick’s Day
The extensive ministerial travel schedule underscores Ireland’s strategic effort to strengthen global relationships, promote economic cooperation, and engage with the Irish diaspora.
With increased diplomatic attention on the United States, the upcoming visits will play a crucial role in reinforcing Ireland’s international trade and investment partnerships.
