The Irish prime minister, Enda Kenny, is about to embark on what’s being called a charm offensive to woo investment from wealthier nations. His first stop, the United States, has been perfectly timed to tie in with tomorrow’s St Patrick’s Day festivities. Because no-one is going to refuse an Irish politician money on St Paddy’s.

Cash-strapped Ireland is desperate for foreign funding and Kenny will be imploring America, China and other countries to assist with his national debt, which is currently crippling.

The PM will be visiting Chicago tomorrow, marking the start of a five-day diplomatic trip which is set to culminate in Washington DC, with more delayed St Patrick’s Day festivities scheduled at the White House on Tuesday. Meanwhile, 16 of his ministers have been deployed to different regions including Canada, China, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and nine European neighbors of Ireland, as well as other U.S. cities like Boston where the Guinness will be flowing all weekend.

After all that partying effort, hope you get lucky with some funding, Enda.

[Source: Yahoo News]