The Taoiseach says Donald Trump "is looking forward to doing business in Ireland".

Enda Kenny was speaking after a ten-minute conversation with America's new president-elect last night.

In the ten-minute call Trump confirmed he would continue inviting the Taoiseach to the White House on St Patrick's Day.

There had been some fears within Irish government circles that Trump's determination to reform Washington politics - and previous comments about Ireland's tax regime - may have ended the annual tradition.

Speaking this morning the Taoiseach said Trump had a good understanding of Ireland, and that he was optimistic about maintaining close ties to Washington:

Trump is today travelling to Washington for his first meeting with President Barack Obama since winning Tuesday's election.

Both men yesterday said they wanted a smooth transition - which could be made harder by previous comments from Mr Obama.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report: