WE'LL ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET FOR IRISH JOE..

Varadkar on Biden trip | Leo thanks to President

- LOUISE BURNE

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar said Ireland is looking forward to "rolling out the red carpet" as US President Joe Biden "comes home" next month.

Mr Biden will travel to the Republic of Ireland and the North to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking in Washington DC yesterday morning on the first day of his three-day trip to the States for the St Patrick's celebrations, Mr Varadkar said: "He speaks of himself as being an Irish person, an Irish-American.

"We're going to roll out the red carpet and we're going to be making sure he feels very welcome.

"We particularly want to thank him, and thank America, for the pivotal role they've played both in helping to build our economy and also helping to build the peace in Ireland." Former President Bill Clinton and his wife ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also accompany the President on his trip.

The Taoiseach said he is looking forward to meeting with Mr Biden in the White House tomorrow at the traditional shamrock ceremony.