Taoiseach to Hold Talks with President Bush

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern TD, is holding talks with US president George Bush in the White House later today.

They are expected to discuss last year's successful developments in the Northern Ireland peace process, the global economic situation, US trade and investment in Ireland, climate change, the plight of undocumented Irish immigrants in the US and a number of international issues including Kosovo, Darfur, Chad and the Middle East.

Following their meeting, the two men will attend the traditional Shamrock Ceremony in the White House, when the Taoiseach will present the President with a bowl of shamrock to symbolise the bonds between Ireland and the United States.

The Taoiseach and the President will then travel to Capitol Hill for the St Patrick's Day lunch hosted by the Speaker of the House of representatives, Nancy Pelosi.

The Taoiseach will also meet other senior political and business figures in Washington in the course of the day.

16th March 2008