President Bush wrote to the Sinn Fein leader, Mr Gerry Adams, ahead of his inauguration, confirming the continued commitment of the new administration to the peace process, writes Patrick Smyth.
The letter, released by Sinn Fein last night, was a response to a message of congratulations from Mr Adams, which recalled the Republican Party's manifesto commitment to the peace process.
Part of Mr Bush's letter, headed "Bush-Cheney Transition", and addressed to the Sinn Fein Washington office, read: "As you noted, I remain dedicated to supporting the peace process in Northern Ireland. We will undoubtedly face a number of challenges in the years ahead.
"I am confident that with a spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and open dialogue, we can successfully meet these challenges. But the future also presents enormous opportunities, and I share in the hopeful spirit that was so evident in your letter.