By Daniel McConnell, Political Editor, in Washington DC

US Vice President Joe Biden has told acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny that he would have been elected by 80% of the electorate had he run for office in America.

Speaking at a breakfast for members of the Irish-American community, hosted by Mr Biden, Mr Kenny promised that Ireland would see a stable Government formed in the coming weeks.

“My belief is that in our country over the next short period ahead, we will be able to put together a stable Government that will last the time and do the business in the interests of the country,” he said.

In some very political remarks, Mr Kenny was highly critical of the anti-austerity parties who he said have had an effect on Ireland.

Mr Kenny referenced the impact of hard left groups in Europe who he said seek to run away from responsible Government and do not have the courage to do what is right for their people.

Acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny pays tribute to Joe Biden’s late son Beau #iestaff pic.twitter.com/UqaZbfNOjD — McConnellDaniel (@McConnellDaniel) March 15, 2016

In reference to the recent General Election in Ireland, Mr Biden paid tribute to Mr Kenny despite the fact “he lost” the election.

“He is the most popular guy in the State and he lost,” Mr Biden said.

“I can assure you if you ran in America you would get 80% of the vote,” he said to warm applause from those present.

Mr Biden quoted renowned Irish writer WB Yeats' Easter 1916 in his remarks about how the “world is changed, changed utterly. A terrible beauty is born”.

Mr Kenny is in Washington for a truncated programme of St Patrick's Day celebrations and will later today meet President Barack Obama at the White House.

He will also meet the Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, before returning to Dublin late tonight