JOE'S SIMPLY THE WEST

President's trip will take place next week

- LOUISE BURNE

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has said that the number one objective of US President Joe Biden’s visit is to “welcome a son of Ireland home”. 

He also confirmed it is not expected that First Lady Jill Biden will accompany her husband on his four-day trip to our shores.

Long-standing rumours of Mr Biden’s trip were confirmed yesterday by both the White House and the Government.

He will travel to Belfast on Tuesday where he will attend a number of events. He will then travel to Dublin on Wednesday evening, where he is expected to attend a state banquet.

The White House confirmed that he will also visit his ancestral homes in counties Mayo and Louth.

Sources also told the Irish Mirror that President Biden will address TDs and Senators on Thursday in the Dail.

The Taoiseach said that it will be a “privilege and an honour” to welcome the US President.