The Dealer noted with interest that the Irish Farmers’ Association general secretary Pat Smith has been invited to join US President Barack Obama in passing the bowl of shamrocks at the White House on St Patrick’s Day.

Smith made the announcement at the IFA executive council this week.

As well as rubbing shoulders with Obama, Smith will join such high-profile visitors as An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Republic of Ireland ladies soccer player Stephanie Roche, who was recently nominated for the Fifa goal of the year.

I hope Smith brings some Irish beef with him on the plane.