Ireland has a truly special relationship with the United States. Historically tens of thousands of people left poverty, hunger and poor prospects behind, emigrating across the Atlantic to make a new life for themselves.

Many prospered, including in business and in politics.

St Patrick’s Day stateside is a celebration of this special relationship, with parades, the greening of rivers and every imaginable manifestation of paddywhackery.

For the political class, Washington DC and the White House is where the action is. However, while once engagement with the US president was regarded as a friendly formality and a chance to present the incumbent with the traditional bowl of shamrock, Donald Trump’s presidency, coupled with geopolitical upheaval, has turned this once relatively easy gig into a potential minefield.

Northern Ireland election results as shock sees Ian Paisley lose to Jim Allister while Sorcha Eastwood makes history........

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