Pence Reportedly Invites PM’s Partner to Visit
Ireland’s first openly-gay head of government, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, met with Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence in the VP’s official residence at the Naval Observatory. The Friday morning meeting and breakfast included omelets, avocado, and potatoes, according to press reports. The press, in an unprecedented move, was barred from attending the breakfast meeting.
Traditionally, the prime minister would have visited first with the VP, but the Trump administration rarely observes protocol, and the “Taoiseach” – the official name for the prime minister – met with Trump on Thursday. Pence was present during that meeting as well.
Last weekend at the SXSW festival in Texas Varadkar criticized the Trump administration for its stand on LGBT rights and refusal to support equality around the world. He vowed to discuss his position with Pence.
However, there was no formal discussion of LGBT civil rights or the role of the U.S. promoting equality around the world on Friday.
Varadkar did discuss the issue with the vice president on Thursday, during what is being described as a “tête-à-tête,” an informal discussion, and not before the cameras.
The Prime Minister was asked why his partner, Dr. Matt Barrett did not accompany him on the trip.
Brian O’Donovan, Washington Correspondent for Ireland’s RTÉ News, reports, “Mr Pence invited Mr Varadkar and his partner Matt to visit his home.”
Originally, via Twitter, O’Donovan reported, “The Vice President has invited The Taoiseach and his partner Matt to stay at his home,” but that was quickly corrected to be just “visit.”
Ireland’s Independent reports Pence told Varadkar his partner Matt would be “welcome in his home.”
The content of Thursday’s conversation about LGBT rights was not released by the White House, although the Vice President’s formal remarks during Friday’s breakfast were. They included no mention of LGBT issues or rights.
“Mr Varadkar has said he would have preferred the meeting to be held in public,” the Independent reports. “However, he added that the private meeting may allow the two politicians have a ‘frank conversation.'”
Vice President Pence on Saturday will attend Savannah, Georgia’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.