Was Donald Trump’s ‘Irish proverb’ actually a verse from a Nigerian poet?

Trump described the leader of Fine Gael as his “new friend”.

It seems they’re right too. It’s really an honour.

“Ireland and the European Union will never be but a friend to the United States”.

“Over many centuries we have built a bond that thrives, inspires and endures and with us it’s going to be closer than ever before”. My comment was in respect of his language.

They also are less likely to face deportation. “I’ll be back”, Trump said, either cheerfully or ominously.

“There are millions out there who want to play their part for America – if you like, who want to make America great”, he said, using Trump’s own campaign slogan as the ultimate troll.

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations across the U.S. have taken an unusually political tone.

But it’s not the only weird St Patrick’s Day moment.

Kenny also referenced the 50,000 Irish people living in the USA illegally, who he’d like to have a path to citizenship.

The issue has drawn intense focus on this year’s visit, given the president’s hardline stance on immigration. On Thursday, he said that immigration “is so important to the fabric of our people”.

“It’s a great phrase”, the president said, adding that he had “heard it for many, many years and I love it”.

Enda Kenny has been discussing his previous remarks ahead of his meeting with Trump tomorrow. At the luncheon, he called Kenny a “new friend” and quoted an Irish proverb to remember friends that “have stuck by you”.

They don’t suffer the same stigma as Hispanic illegal immigrants but face the same peril of deportation or being barred from returning to the USA if they travel home, and pressure on them has intensified under Mr. Trump’s get-tough policies.

“And I know there is very strong support for that right across the US”.

Trump shared the saying at the traditional White House Shamrock Ceremony, which marks Ireland’s national holiday.

Kenny said the Irish government disagrees “very vehemently with the European commission” and denies any favoritism for Apple.

The Green Party said today that any Presidential visit by Donald Trump would be strongly protested, and that Ireland should not condone his actions by inviting him on an official state visit.

Last night he feted and flattered US Vice President Mike Pence – whose grandfather came from Ireland – at an American Ireland Fund dinner at which VP Pence was the guest of honour.