Martin to hold meeting with Boris Johnson over Protocol

The leaders will discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine as well as the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Following his trip to the UK, Mr Martin will travel to Washington DC where he will meet US president Joe Biden.

On Friday the Taoiseach attended a reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London Vincent Keaveny, where he met members of the business community from the UK and Ireland.

On Saturday, the Taoiseach will attend an Enterprise Ireland business event and roundtable at the Embassy of Ireland.

Mr Martin will then watch the Six Nations match between Ireland and England at Twickenham, which will include a bilateral meeting with Boris Johnson.

It is expected the leaders will discuss Irish and British relations and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

After the bilateral meeting they will attend the England versus Ireland rugby match in Twickenham.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: “You can expect both to be raised in that meeting.

“The Prime Minister has been speaking to many world leaders about the ongoing situation in Ukraine and you can expect that to be raised as well as the ongoing talks around the Northern Ireland Protocol.”

Asked who will the Prime Minister support considering Northern Ireland making up part of the Ireland team, the spokesman said: “The Prime Minister has said before around these sorts of events that he is obviously English and will support the England team, but he always wishes the home nations the best in their tournaments.”

The day will conclude with a dinner at which the Taoiseach will be guest of honour of the St Patrick’s Day Ball Committee.

On Sunday, the Taoiseach will attend London’s St Patrick’s Day festival and parade, which this year will celebrate “community” and key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Taoiseach will then travel to Washington DC for a series of engagements.

On Tuesday a cultural programme will include a ceremony in honour of the late former SDLP leader and civil rights campaigner John Hume, a Tourism Ireland reception and a performance of Riverdance.

A spokesman for the Government said Wednesday will feature a series of economic engagements, including a Women in Business Executive roundtable, a US Chamber of Commerce and Science Foundation Ireland event, and the Ireland Funds’ 30th National Gala.

On St Patrick’s Day, the Taoiseach will attend a series of events at the White House and Capitol Hill, including a breakfast hosted by US vice president Kamala Harris, the Speakers Lunch on Capitol Hill, a bilateral between the Taoiseach and Mr Biden, as well as the traditional Shamrock Ceremony and Ambassador’s St Patrick’s Day Reception.