It was all part of an annual event dating back to 1983 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the healthy relationship between the United States and Ireland, featuring Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who sang along with the American lawmakers.
Amidst a sea of green neckties and accessories, lawmakers from both parties were packed tightly around tables with festive decorations. Each guest received a white and gold shamrock pin with “2014” in green lettering.
The featured performers were Gerry Timlin and Tom Kane, who played traditional Irish folk music on their guitars. Obama and Boehner, R-West Chester Twp., sang along to “The Wild Rover” and did their best to clap at the right time. Even the reporters and photographers covering the event joined in.
Started by former House Speaker Tip O’Neill, D-Mass., the luncheon has been an annual event for the Irish prime minister to attend. It also serves to get the president and the speaker in the same room for a celebratory occasion.
Before the luncheon, Obama and Kenny met in the Oval Office. “This is one of my favorite times of year because I’m able to join with our friends from Ireland to celebrate the incredible bond that exists between our two countries,” said Obama.
Kenny returned warm words and mentioned immigration reform, which he said “is an issue for Ireland and for many other countries, and we hope to pursue those discussions down at the Capitol building later on with a number of other representatives.”
Kenny expressed his pleasure for being in the United States but also touched upon the importance of Ireland’s relationship with European countries.
The audience in Rayburn also included White House chief of staff Denis McDonough; House Majority Eric Cantor, R-Va.; House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, D-Mass.
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