Stormont return 'positive step forward' - Biden

US President Joe Biden has hailed the return of power-sharing in Northern Ireland as a "positive step forward".

He made the remarks as he held bilateral talks with Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar at the White House as part of St Patrick's Day celebrations.

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers are among politicians taking part in events in Washington DC.

President Biden said the US remained "committed to protecting peace and progress" in Northern Ireland.

"I was glad to see the Northern Ireland Executive back up and running and from my perspective, it's a positive step forward," he said.

The institutions were restored last month after a two-year hiatus.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was pleased to see the return of power-sharing since he and Mr Biden had met last autumn.

"It's really good to see the promise of the Good Friday Agreement being fulfilled again, which is such a positive change since we last met," he added.

Mr Biden said Ireland and the US shared a "deepening economic partnership" and friendship.

'More to be done in Gaza'

First Minister Michelle O'Neill also spoke with President Biden on Friday and said the United States has been a "critical partner for peace in Ireland".

"We deeply value this support," Ms O'Neill said.

"Our peace process and your role in this are a fine example of successful US diplomacy and foreign policy success," she added.

Both Mr Varadkar and Ms O'Neill spoke with the US president on global issues, including the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

President Biden said "a whole lot more has to be done in Gaza".

Referencing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Ms O'Neill called on the US to apply "the same constructive role" they showed in helping to bring an end to the almost 30 year conflict in Northern Ireland.

The taoiseach met the US Vice-President Kamala Harris during a breakfast at her official residence in Washington

Speaking outside the White House, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it was "fair to say" the US was working very hard to put in place a temporary humanitarian ceasefire.

"There's a strong hope and belief if that can be achieved then there's the possibility of something more permanent."

He added that President Biden had said the US would continue to support Israel and assist it.

But he said: "None of us like to see American weapons being used the way they are, the way they're being used at the moment is not self-defence".

Pressed on his opinion over a ceasefire, he said it "is well over due - the number of lives that have been lost is just too much - but it has to be on both sides."

A former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, had earlier called on Leo Varadkar to tell the US government to stop its military and financial support for Israel whilst he is in Washington.

Speaking to RTÉ, Mrs Robinson said: "The United States can influence Israel by not continuing to provide arms, it has provided a lot of the arms, bombs that have been used on the Palestinian people and he's continuing to do that and he's also providing money."

'Possibilities overcoming disagreements'

Later, at a lunch hosted by the US Speaker on Capitol Hill, President Biden congratulated Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers.

He said the appointment of Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly "reminded us what possibilities there are on overcoming disagreements".

The ministers received a round of applause from the attendees in the room.

Speaking after the event, Ms Little-Pengelly said "so many people have talked about our joint message and about Northern Ireland being open for business, so it's really great they are talking about Northern Ireland but they are also talking about our pitch and what we can offer."

"Northern Ireland is a small place but we get really good access to key and influential people here in the US," she added.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is walking a political tightrope.

He wanted to deliver a tough message to President Biden over Gaza while not embarrassing his host.

Choosing his words carefully he said they had "to work together to secure a humanitarian ceasefire", President Biden said he agreed.

He got a further nod of approval from the president when he suggested a "two state solution was the best way to secure lasting peace and security".

President Biden also acknowledged in his speech there was work to be done on Gaza.

It is clear both men are on the same page but the president is not yet in a position to call for a permanent ceasefire.

The fact he described Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer's speech criticising the Israeli government as a "good speech" which all Americans could support is also a clear indicator.

It will feel like mission accomplished for the taoiseach.

He did not get a firm commitment of a change of policy on Gaza but he got the next best thing.

The return of the Northern Ireland power sharing institutions was something they could both celebrate.