Page 3 - ARUBA TODAY

A3
U.S. NEWS Friday 16 March 2018
Trump touts Irish ties, but jokes about country’s taxes

By CATHERINE LUCEY Ireland and Northern Ire-
KEN THOMAS land and trade. “I think we
Associated Press can have a new fair trade,
WASHINGTON (AP) — Presi- free trade deal between
dent Donald Trump stressed Europe and America and
the close ties between there’s no better man to
Ireland and America at a make a deal than President
St. Patrick’s Day luncheon Trump,” Varadkar said.
Thursday, though he joked Ryan also referenced
that the country was a trade, albeit in jest.
“tough one to compete “The Guinness does taste
with” on taxes. better in Ireland but I realize
Trump appeared with Irish this isn’t the year to bring
Prime Minister Leo Varad- up trade issues,” he said.
kar as part of a day of joint During a sit-down with
events marking the holiday, Varadkar at the White
including a one-on-one House, Trump was asked
visit at the White House. if he would visit Ireland.
Both leaders spoke at a The president said: “I will. I
luncheon at the U.S. Capi- love it.” He offered no fur-
tol with Republican House ther details. Trump said
Speaker Paul Ryan. the two countries have an
After noting a number of President Donald Trump meets with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office of the “outstanding relationship.”
famous Irish Americans, White House, Thursday, March 15, 2018, in Washington. “A tremendous number
Trump said: “Whenever of Irish are living in New
there’s a problem, you call, (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) York, where I grew up and
we’ll solve it.” compete with on the tax- Ireland that have low cor- a good meeting, noting they’re living in the United
Amid laughter, he added: es.” Trump recently signed porate taxes. that they spoke about Irish States,” said Trump, who
“Except for trade ...They’ve a massive tax cut into law, Varadkar — the recently people living in the U.S. il- also owns a golf club in Ire-
got those taxes so low. aimed at leveling the play- elected Irish leader or Tao- legally, the negotiations land. “And these are truly
You’re a tough one to ing field with countries like iseach — said the two had over the border between wonderful people.”q