The US president says the political instability in Ireland can't be allowed to disrupt the efforts to create more jobs.

Barack Obama was speaking after a one-on-one meeting with acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the White House this afternoon.

The two leaders discussed trade, immigration, and the Northern Ireland peace process in their meeting.

Speaking as he marked the final St Patrick's Day of his tenure office, President Obama said the work to help create more jobs must continue: