The Taoiseach discussed tourism, transatlantic business links and the Northern Ireland peace process for 30 minutes yesterday with the Florida governor Jeb Bush, whose visit to Dublin sparked protests by anti-war activists.

The US president's younger brother is visiting Ireland and the UK to promote closer business ties between Florida and Ireland. His talks with the Taoiseach at Government Buildings yesterday morning lasted 30 minutes.

Later he spoke at an American Chamber of Commerce lunch in Dublin's Conrad Hotel. Around 50 anti-war protesters picketed outside, protesting against the continued US military involvement in Iraq, and the Bush administration's support for Israel's attacks on Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza.

Dublin Deputy Lord Mayor, Aodhaon O'Riordain, was among those who addressed the anti-war protesters yesterday. He said the Florida governor was not welcome in Ireland, because of his support for and role in devising US foreign policy.

Mr Bush was one of the original signatories to the Project for a New American Century, a neo-conservative think-tank which had significant influence on the framing of the hardline US policy on Iraq.

Mr O'Riordain denounced what he called "the blinkered and savage mindset of the Bush administration". Referring to the US support for Israel he said: "Jewish votes in America are obviously much more important than dead Lebanese or Palestinian children."

There was a significant uniformed Garda presence around the Conrad Hotel but the protest was entirely peaceful.

While the protest took place at the front of the hotel, Mr Bush entered and left through a different door.