Vice President Joe Biden to Host St Patrick’s Day Breakfast for An Taoiseach

The Vice-President of the United States, Mr Joseph R Biden has invited the Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen TD, and Mrs Mary Cowen to a St Patrick’s Day breakfast celebration at the Vice-President’s residence in Washington DC.

The Taoiseach expressed delight at the Vice-President’s invitation.

He said:

“I am delighted to begin the celebrations of our National Day with the Vice-President of the United States and Dr Jill Biden. Joe Biden comes from proud Irish stock – the Finnegans - from Scranton, Pennsylvania, a place which remains one of the great centres of Irish America to this day. Joe Biden has been a major figure in American politics over several decades. He is a true friend of Ireland. I will bring him the best wishes of the Irish people for a happy St Patrick’s Day ”.

After the celebration breakfast with the Vice-President, the Taoiseach will travel to the White House for a summit meeting with President Barack Obama. Later, he will attend the Speaker’s Lunch on Capitol Hill with President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The celebrations in Washington conclude with a White House evening reception in honour of the Taoiseach and Mrs Mary Cowen.