The invite has finally arrived. The traditional shamrock handover at the White House lives on.
Barring unforeseen events, Micheál Martin will have a face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump.
However, unforeseen events happened this evening with the confrontation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mr Trump and his Vice President JD Vance in the White House.
Never before have scenes of such anger and argument being publicly aired live from the Oval Office.
As a result, the Taoiseach who is adept when it comes to diplomacy may feel the need to tread lightly as he represents Ireland's view and interests on March 12th So what will his priorities be?
Protecting trade, and avoiding tariffs
Tariffs for all seems to be the approach an aggrieved Donald Trump is taking to international trade. Ireland, which exported €73 billion worth of goods to the US in 2023, is definitely in the danger zone.
President Trump has said a 25% tariff "generally speaking" would be applied to EU imports, and he is also planning special tariffs for pharmaceutical imports, which make up a significant proportion of exports from Ireland.
The Taoiseach has said the Government will take a "step-by-step" approach to tariffs, pointing out that they damage economies, raise inflation and by extension, consumer prices.
Ultimately Ireland's line here will be an EU line, but Micheál Martin can emphasise the close ties and cooperation between Ireland and the US over many decades and the fact that hundreds of Irish companies employ over 115,000 people across the 50 states.
Israel and Gaza
Irelands position on Gaza, recognition of the Palestinian state, and joining in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel will not have gone unnoticed in the White House.
Not least because Israeli ministers and diplomats have been loud in their condemnation of Ireland's human rights-led approach.
The Government also remains committed to some form of the Occupied Territories Bill. There is political pressure on the Taoiseach to raise Gaza with the US President, including from Sinn Féin who themselves are boycotting the White House visit this year in protest at President Trump’s plans to relocate Gaza’s population.
Other opposition parties also want the Taoiseach to highlight the Government's stance.
Given Donald Trump’s commitment to Israel, and his support of the Israeli Prime Minister, how Micheál Martin approaches this one could be tricky.
Ukraine
Ireland’s position on the war in Ukraine is aligned with that of the EU. It supports a just, sustainable, and durable peace.
How that comes about in practice is yet to be determined, but if it comes up the Taoiseach will likely make the case for Ukraine to be central to any negotiations, and for European countries to also have a role and not be sidelined in any negotiations involving Russia.
Diaspora and undocumented Irish
The exact number of Irish people living illegally in the United States is unknown, but it's estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
Donald Trump has long pledged to deport millions of illegals, and now plans the introduction of a register for undocumented people.
Many Irish illegals have lived for years or even decades in the US, starting families, putting down roots and establishing businesses.
The Taoiseach will want to make the case for these people to have their contribution to the US taken into account, and for them to be treated justly.
Support for NI peace process
The United States has been key to establishing and maintaining the peace Process in Northern Ireland, providing resources and support over the years.
The continued support of the US President is vital to ensure the process continues, the Northern Institutions are supported, and the Assembly continues to operate.
After today's White House confrontation with Mr Zelensky, American feelings and the those of Trump administration may well be still very sensitive to any ciriticism or challenge, even by 12 March.
Into that environment the Taoiseach will walk armed with the bowl of shamrock, his charm and his diplomatic adroitness. He will need them all to make the visit a success.
