Micheal Martin leaves the Convention Centre Dublin after he is elected as new prime minister of Ireland in Dublin, Ireland, June 27, 2020. (Photo by Liu Xiaoming/Xinhua)
Martin tested positive on the eve of his scheduled meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House, Irish national radio and television broadcaster RTE reported.
DUBLIN, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin has tested positive for COVID-19 while on a visit to the United States, his office said in a news release on Thursday.
In a statement, President Michael D. Higgins sent his good wishes to Martin.
"I was so very sorry to learn of this news breaking while the Taoiseach (prime minister in Irish) was busy representing Ireland in the United States leading up to our National Day," he wrote.
"I wish the Taoiseach a speedy recovery and also wish him further success with the continuation of his program in Washington."
Children watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade in London, Britain, March 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Martin is currently in the United States on the occasion of St. Patrick's Day, a national holiday in Ireland that falls on March 17 every year.
Martin tested positive on the eve of his scheduled meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House, Irish national radio and television broadcaster RTE reported.
The meeting eventually took place by video.
Martin is self-isolating and is feeling well, RTE said.
U.S. President Joe Biden walks on the South Lawn to board Marine One at the White House in Washington, D.C. March 11, 2022. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)■
