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Updates from David Blevins, Dominic Waghorn, Stephen Murphy and Ashna Hurynag. Live reporting by Brad Young and Bhvishya PatelWe reportedly earlier that that it was understood one Northern Irish leader invited to the speech would not be attending Joe Biden's address - DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
Tree-planting and a ringing of the Peace Bell were on the agenda, as well as an inspection of Irish troops.16:16:24Joe Biden is soon to address a joint session of the Irish parliament - the first US president to do so since 1995, before the Good Friday Agreement was signed. The functioning of the Northern Irish Assembly depends on the DUP and its decision on whether to return to Stormont and resume the power sharing agreement. Ahead of Joe Biden's address to the Irish parliament, Leo Varadkar, the Irish PM, is discussing his meeting with the US leader earlier today.
He goes on to say he"does not think Mr Biden is pushing any particular agenda other than what he thinks is best for the people of Northern Ireland and the people of Ireland as a whole."The presence of Joe Biden in Northern Ireland"will not prompt things over the line" when it comes to a return to power sharing, an expert on the country's politics has told Sky News.
She added:"Ultimately, I do not think the words or the actions of President Biden will do anything in and of themselves to be able to prompt things over the line. "We were told that it's something that he wished to do in the midst of a very busy visit to Ireland, that this is a little bit of timeout, a little bit of quietness and just a centre of prayer that he wishes to be part of.""We welcome here as a pilgrim - as any pilgrim."After the bell ringing and tree planting earlier today during his meeting with the Irish president, Joe Biden stopped to take some questions from reporters.
But the president was again careful not to antagonise hardline unionists, saying it was a decision for politicians in Northern Ireland, not him.14:13:57Leo Varadkar welcomes Joe Biden back to Farmleigh House, saying he has"graced us with your presence". Joe Biden has arrived in Farmleigh House, the official state guest house, to meet the Irish prime minister.
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