Immigration was curiously off the agenda today as President Barack Obama welcomed Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen for the annual shamrock ceremony at the White House.

They discussed the banking crisis, trade and other international challenges but failed to mention immigration.

The St Patrick's Day event is often seen as a bellwether of which issues dominate the U.S.-Irish agenda.

Clearly immigration is off the radar.

If you hear anything different, please post a comment below or read our report on the remarks.