Anyone who walks into the Oval Office at the moment is walking into a "cauldron".
That's according to Cavan native Sheila Reilly, the Deputy Editor of the Irish Examiner and Echo.
Ms. Reilly was speaking ahead of the Taoiseach Micheál Martin's visit to Washington for St. Patrick's Day
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show this morning, Ms. Reilly said the visit is more than a photo opportunity, and that Ireland would be foolish not to take advantage of it.
She also highlighted Ireland's understanding of war, and the importance of working through diplomatic channels.
With the visit set to take place amidst the conflict in the Middle East, the Cavan woman believes that the Taoiseach has the opportunity to be the voice of diplomacy.
Ms. Reilly said: "We also are in a unique enough position, we know the terrible consequences of war. We have lived with The Troubles in this country for over 30 years, and the consequences.
"We know, at the end of the day, these things need to go back to the table. That is where they always end up, through diplomatic channels.
"In that place, is there not an opportunity for Micheál Martin to be the voice of reason in terms of suggesting where we need to go back to, and being one of the leaders who calls for that," she added.
