Christina Finn reports from Philadelphia

TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said Ireland “abhors the killing of innocent civilians”, stating that he will be articulating the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East when he meets US President Donald Trump on St Patrick’s Day. 

Martin is currently in Philadelphia as part of the annual visit to the US for St Patrick’s Day, which will include a meeting with US President at the White House on Tuesday.

Asked by reporters what he plans to discuss with Trump, Martin said he will highlight the strong Irish-American links both in trade, culture and history.

When asked if he will specifically mention the bombing of school in Iran, which killed 170 young students, Martin said of course current issues will be raised. 

“The big issue right now is the war in Iran and the war in the Middle East… we want a de- escalation. We want this brought to a conclusion very, very quickly. We want civilian lives protected,” he added, stating that the government would prefer to see a diplomatic route. 

Irish Ambassador to US Geraldine Byrne Nason (3rd left) and Taoiseach Micheál Martin (4th left) watch Irish dancer at Irish Memorial in Philadelphia Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Today, the Taoiseach will meet athletes studying at Villanova University as part of the Irish Pipeline athletics programme which has shaped 13 Irish Olympians including Sonia O’Sullivan, Eamonn Coghlan and the late Ronnie Delany, the last Irish athlete to win gold on the track at the Olympics in 1956.

This morning, Martin laid a wreath at the Irish Memorial dedicated to the more than one million Irish who died in the famine, as well as the millions of migrants who made the US their home. 

Micheál Martin speaking with reporters in Philadelphia this morning. Christina Finn / TheJournal Christina Finn / TheJournal / TheJournal

“Delighted to be here in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Republic,” he told reporters in Philadelphia.

“Today will be a day focused on that contribution of the Irish, beginning here laying a wreath at this beautiful memorial which remembers the one million people who died during the Irish famine, a million more who emigrated and many more who were looked after by American hosts at that time.”

Later, the Taoiseach will attend the 255th Annual Gala of the Friendly Sons and Daughters of Saint Patrick with 400 business and community leaders from Philadelphia.

It was founded in 1771 by Cork man Stephen Moylan, a celebrated general in the American Revolution, George Washington’s aide de camp and the man said to be responsible for the first written record of the phrase The United States of America.

“That, in many ways, illustrates the depth and fundamental nature of the Irish-American relationship, particularly in the context of the declaration of American independence,” Martin said.

Bob Gessler, President of Irish Memorial Board of Directors, with Taoiseach Micheal Martin during tour of the Irish Memorial in Philadelphia Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Tomorrow, Martin will attend the Philadelphia St Patrick’s Day Parade and lay a wreath at the statue of Commodore John Barry.

The visit to Philadelphia comes at the start of the Taoiseach’s annual visit to the United States for St Patrick’s Day.

His itinerary includes a bilateral meeting with Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday.

With reporting by Press Association