Taoiseach Enda Kenny used his trip to the White House to make the case for fairer treatment of immigrants.

The Taoiseach repeatedly commented on the role of Irish immigrants in America at public events attended by President Donald Trump.

Mr Kenny will today march in the St Patrick's Day parade in New York - one of the world's oldest, held every year since 1762.

Last night, presenting President Donald Trump with the customary bowl of shamrock, Kenny pointed out that St Patrick himself was an immigrant.

"It's fitting that we gather here each year, to celebrate St. Patrick and his legacy. He too of course was an immigrant," he said. "And though he is the patron saint of Ireland, for many people around the globe he is the patron of immigrants."

Earlier, Trump had referred to Kenny and his wife Fionnuala as "great people" - and to the Taoiseach as "my new friend".

"Throughout the centuries, hard-working Irish-Americans contributed mightily to America's innovation and America's prosperity," Trump said, highlighting the "harship" Irish people overcame for Americans.