A Monaghan Senator says it's important that the Taoiseach travels to the Whitehouse for St. Patrick's Day.
It comes as calls for Micheál Martin not to meet with the US President have amplified this year in the wake of a number of controversies, including threats of a trade war in Trump's bid to acquire Greenland.
However Robbie Gallagher believes the unique invitation traditionally offered to Ireland should be taken up.
The Fianna Fail Senator said there is a special relationship between Ireland and the US.
He noted that the economic relationship between the two countries is very strong, with the US contributing over 40 billion to the Irish economy.
Senator Gallagher said that he has every confidence in Micheál Martin's ability to speak truth to power.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan show this morning, he said he has no doubt in the Taoiseach.
"We're not afraid to speak up when we have to. Micheál Martin will no doubt use the opportunity that he has to pass on to the President the concerns that we have, whether that be in relation to Greenland, whether that be in relation to what's going on in Palestine or indeed Ukraine. We have a unique opportunity and I have no doubt that Micheál Martin will make the most of that when he gets the opportunity in March."
