US President Barack Obama has said there is still more work to do regarding the Northern Ireland peace process.
Speaking after meeting Taoiseach Enda Kenny in the Oval Office, Mr Obama said "although the recent framework agreement that's been put in place offers great hope for resolution of some long standing challenges there, there is still more work to do".
He said the administration “appreciates the leadership the Taoiseach has shown in the process and the collaboration with the US in encouraging both parties to arrive at peaceful resolutions that can bring more prosperity and growth".
Meanwhile, today (17 March) is one of the 15 designated days when the Union Flag flies over Belfast City Hall.
In a throwback to recent tensions, rival crowds gathered in the city centre. Many of them were teenagers or younger. They traded insults and chants. Significant numbers of PSNI officers were deployed to keep them apart.
Large crowds turned out to watch the Parade and many stayed on for the free open air concert.
Tonight, for the first time in its history, the Stormont Building, home of the Northern Ireland Assembly, will go green, while on 12 July it will be illuminated by orange coloured light.
Obama hopeful immigration reform will happen soon
Speaking at the White House, Mr Obama also said he hoped immigration reform would happen soon, because one of the great strengths of the US was its willingness to welcome new immigrants.
He said nobody had contributed more to the growth and dynamism of the US than the country’s immigrants.
The president added that welcoming immigrants was what made the US unique and special.
Earlier, Enda Kenny had a special St Patrick's Day breakfast with US Vice President Joe Biden at his home in Washington DC.
Mr Kenny and his wife, Fionnuala, were greeted at the entrance to the Naval Observatory by the Vice President who when trying to make a joke, made his latest gaffe: "If you're wearing orange you're not welcome in," Mr Biden said, before hastily adding "only joking".
The Taoiseach will later attend a special lunch on Capitol Hill hosted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner.
