Enda Kenny 'happy to be back in America' as he calls on FF to play their part

Speaking to the media after his bilateral meeting with US President Barack Obama, Mr Kenny called on all like-minded parties including Fianna Fáil to play their role.

Speaking outside the White House @EndaKennyTD says he's hopeful a government can be formed soon @irishtv pic.twitter.com/bFyGVwveQJ

— Deirdra Schroeder (@deeoschroeder) March 15, 2016

Mr Kenny met with US president Barack Obama in the White House as part of a day-long programme of events in the United States to mark St Patrick’s Day.

During the meeting in the Oval Office, Mr Obama noted the “significant progress” in the rebound of Irish economy and the “strong recovery” in US.

He highlighted “the incredible friendship” between US and Ireland.

They also spoke about immigration and Mr Obama said the US should continue to be a nation that welcomes immigrants.

Mr Kenny also spoke with Mr Obama about forthcoming Brexit referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU.

Mr Obama said the early St Patrick’s Day festivities are welcomed because “we always like an excuse to celebrate our Irish heritage”.

He summed up his morning talks behind-closed-doors with Mr Kenny as “an outstanding discussion, as always”.

The two then shook hands as cameras snapped rapidly.

Mr Kenny then spoke about being “happy to be back in America” and applauded the close relationship.

Mr Kenny also raised the issue of the blockage of Norwegian Airlines flying directly to the US from Ireland with Mr Obama.

“I also raised the proposition of Norwegian to develop their airlinks with the US which would have a major implication in terms of reducing fares across the Atlantic,” Mr Kenny said.

Mr Kenny said the President assured him it was a “matter of process” and that there was nothing political blocking the matter.

President Obama and Prime Minister Kenny were seated in side-by-side chairs in front of the fireplace.

Above them were what appeared to be four shamrock bushels in full bloom, each in a green pot.

Mr Obama wore a dark suit, light blue shirt and green tie with a subtle pattern. Kenny's tie was a solid dark-emerald shade.

US officials spotted in the Oval Office were Vice President Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Adviser Susan Rice. Biden and Kerry, both wearing green ties, stood by the doors looking out to the Rose Garden.

Rice, wearing a bright green blazer, stood at a veranda to the right of Obama's desk, perusing a white briefing binder.

President Obama also noted Kenny has presided over an economic recovery much like that of his tenure here in the United States.

But Obama also repeated a cautious message he often has used recently, saying there is "more work to do" on both sides of the Atlantic.

Speaking as he marked the final St Patrick's Day of his time in office, President Obama said the work to help create more jobs must continue.

"We live in a time when there's a lot of volatility in the electoral process, but the one thing that is constant is the importance of us continuing to trade, continuing to encourage investment and to boost jobs and opportunity in our respective countries," he said.

Mr Obama applauded Kenny and others for working toward peace in Northern Ireland, saying he hopes all sides can "solidify" it.

The president said he is "proud" of the work US officials have done to help with those peace efforts.

Mr Obama noted the First Lady and their daughters have enjoyed their travels to Ireland.

He summed up his morning talks behind closed doors with Kenny as "an outstanding discussion, as always."

The two men travelled the short distance to Capital Hill to attend the Speakers' Lunch, hosted by Irish-American speaker Republican Paul Ryan.

.@EndaKennyTD urges Speaker Paul Ryan to take action on immigration and steps to help undocumented workers @irishtv pic.twitter.com/anQPga9uR4

— Deirdra Schroeder (@deeoschroeder) March 15, 2016

The two leaders discussed trade, immigration, and the Northern Ireland peace process in their meeting.