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TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY has said he disagrees with US President Donald Trump’s immigration travel ban and said he will tell him that to his face when he meets him during his St Patrick’s Day visit.
In a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Theresa May in Government Buildings this afternoon, the Taoiseach said he intended to accept Trump’s invitation to the White House in March for various reasons.
Pressure has been mounting on the Taoiseach over the weekend to snub the invitation, with over 30,000 people signing an online petition calling on him not to visit.
But at today’s press conference, he reiterated that he would not be cancelling the visit.
“First of all, I think it is really important that I get to say face-to-face to the president the issues that are important to us,” said Kenny, adding that he disagreed with Trump’s latest immigration policy which has caused confusion and protests around the globe.
“I don’t agree with it – I will obviously say that to the president and vice president when I meet with them.”
Kenny explained that it has been tradition for the Taoiseach to travel to the White House for St Patrick’s Day. He said that it offers opportunities to speak to senators, congress people and mayors about issues that matter to the Irish.
I think it’s really important that I be able to say face-to-face to the President the issues that are of importance to us.I don’t want a situation where the 35 million Irish-Americans who sign on for connections with this country or the 50,000 undocumented Irish that are in the States are left without contact or connection.
During the press conference, Kenny also announced that the US pre-clearance policy at Dublin and Shannon airports will be reviewed. This afternoon it emerged that one person was turned away at Dublin Airport since Trump’s immigration ban.
“I have asked for a complete review of pre-clearance facilities here in Ireland,” said Kenny.
The Taoiseach pointed out that pre-clearance at Irish airports has been an enormous convenience in terms of efficiency and economics over the years.
We have had a great influence in the US over the years, we still have that influence and we intend to use it.
So I think it is more important now than ever before that we speak face-to-face with the American president and explain to him the issues and the matters of importance to us here.
On her first visit to Dublin as UK prime minister, May was also asked about Donald Trump.
While there have been calls for Kenny to boycott the St Patrick’s Day trip to the White House, May is feeling the heat over a planned trip by Trump to the UK announced for later this year.
That invitation stands.
Northern Ireland
In relation to Brexit and Northern Ireland, May said they were both she and Kenny were “personally committed to strengthening the relationship” between Ireland and the UK.
“I know for the people of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the ability to move freely across the border is an essential part of daily life, which is why the Taoiseach and I have both been clear that there will be no return to the borders of the past,” said the UK Prime Minister.
Both leaders said any manifestation of a hard border in the North would have “very negative consequences”.
May and Kenny reiterated each other’s points about the border issue, stating they wanted it to be as “seamless”, “friction free” and as “trouble-free” as possible.
Describing their earlier private discussion as “frank” and “constructive”, Kenny said both countries were in agreement that the trading ties between the two countries should be “recognised and facilitated” as negotiations go forward.
He said this was an “absolute priority” for the Irish government.
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The Labour party, always well meaning in opposition, talk the talk until the get in to government the wou6 make any right wing party proud .
How do I run for the election? I could do with a 6 figure salary and absolutely no consequences for telling lies or doing anything wrong in my job. #VoteMe
@TheMinisterForCraic: and expenses so you can buy lunch for your cronies without needing receipts!
@Tessa Madden: I’ll buy everyone who votes for me lunch. I’ll also promise you anything you want just for your vote. Then when I get in I’ll do whatever I want in terms of decisions, I’ll ignore all of the promises I said and I’ll fill my pockets as much as I can in this short time in charge because I couldn’t careless about the future of Ireland, the future of my own family is all I care about it. #VoteMe
@TheMinisterForCraic: not to mention a fat pension for life after the gravy train reaches the terminus.
Ivana Back? Is she new, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of her or of her having an opinion no one asked.
@This time its personable!: Poor Ivana. God love her. She should cop on and get a real job.
Jesus labour are the gift that keep on giving ha. Alan Kelly in charge and all of a sudden then thobk they have a conscience. Would make ya possibly get them your No.4 vote. Almost. God love her hasn’t a hope and either do FG on retaining the seat, with their voice of a generation ( with supreme Court parents and grandparents) candidate. Both really understand the working man
Another Has Been
@pat seery: you have to be someone to start with before you become a has been…
@pat seery: Very poor grammar. “Another was”.
@Paul Jude Redmond: A neverwasser
If people don’t get out and vote, nothing will change.
@Jules:
Vote for who?
@The Grand Nagus: whoever you choose, but vote. The generally low turnout of voters perpetuates the poor standard of government
@Jules: no it’s the candidates that perpetuates the poor stand of government!
@JongaFe: it’s both
Can’t stand listening to her, still trying to get into Government hopefully not a hope
Labour’s vision of Ireland became FGs version of Ireland when in government. Reduced to six seats , thats when they discovered the road to Damascus moment..
Just a question. Has Ivana won a “popular vote” election in the past?
Some people just can’t take no for an answer
Serial loser going to lose another election.
Another well heeled socialist.. Like Mickey D’s daughter, if you can’t win a real election take a handy number in the Senate spouting oh so progressive platitudes that mean nothing. Our political class are useless. Bacik offers nothing only soundbites for affluent liberals. Labour lost touch with working people a long time ago.
There hasn’t been a good leader of the Labour Party since Dick Spring, Ivana puts her name forward in every election that arises, seanad, council, presidentdency and now have another go at becoming a TD, which she has done enough time and not be elected, this by-election is in constituency where I live, personally I can’t see her been elected, certainly not by residents who live in the working class areas such as myself.
Zzzzzzzz
You have to hopes no hope and Bob hope
Absolutely useless person. Chocolate teapot springs to mind. Never forget labour cutting the ribbon on a soup kitchen.
Bacik has never been elected. That is not going to change.
As she takes a 70,000eur a year salary from taxpayers for her unelected position of senator, she can properly be regarded as a thief.
The Seanad is a stain on Irish democracy.
Bacik is too smart for her own good. Lacks personality. You would never win an arguement against her. Pity as she got bags of potential.
@Rob Jones: if she was that great she wouldn’t have failed to be elected in any of her 3 previous attempts at a Dail seat.
@Rob Jones: Being an excellent lawyer doesn’t make her a good public representative. She should stick to law and teaching. She has no chance. Labour is a dead party to the working class after IPhone-Joan.
@Paul Whitehead: “Labour is a dead party to the working class after IPhone-Joan.” Don’t forget Alan Kelly and Eamon ‘Labour’s way or Frankfort’s Way’ Gilmore. No way Labour…Just go away.
@Billy Big Baws: the comment about her name is uncalled for. It’s a Czech name i think
A health and welfare service from CABLE to the grave ??? So when does this service become available?
Bacik is head and shoulders in intellect above most Irish politicians which means of course she’s never elected. I’m amazed she’s never got in somewhere. I’d vote for her if I was in DB South. I don’t always agree with her but at least she has ideas
Whatever your views on the Labour Party Ivana Bacik is a good opreator with a long track record on social issues and would be a great addition to the Dáil. She does not deserve the negativity on show in these comments.
Any prospective candidate talking about house prices from this constituency smacks of hypocrisy.
@Billy Big Baws: Igno rant, rac ist lo ut.
She does know and remember labours vision changes when they get into government..what was it… labours way not frankfurts way
have your say