EU ambassador John Bruton talks to Mark Hennessy, Political Correspondent, on his impressions of Washington life
Five months on, John Bruton is beginning to come to terms with life in Washington as the European Union's ambassador. Washington, equally, is coming to terms with him.
Thrown into the deep end by the preparations for President Bush's visit to Europe last month, he acknowledges that he had "a crash course" in EU/US relations.
"The visit went smoothly but that was the result of two months of intensive preparation. Every conceivable issue that could be a cause of difference was discussed by us here with people in the White House."
Such advance work is critical: "I think the lesson in diplomacy that I have learned in the last two or three months is that a problem, however difficult, if it is flagged well enough in advance, can be managed.
"Train wrecks in international relations occur when there isn't a good signalling system, just as they occur on railways. I think we need to improve the signalling system between us."
Before coming to Washington, Bruton had feared that the US still did not understand the EU, seeing it as nothing more than a trade bloc.
"I found, first of all, that there is a much higher concept of the importance of the EU than I thought.
"Americans from the president down have a very strong sense that the EU, as the EU above and beyond the role of the member states, has an important role."
In fact, it may have gone the other way. "There may be some exaggeration on the part of the people who might be thinking that the EU has more power than it really has. They might now well be seeing the EU as an emerging superpower, which most certainly it isn't."
The EU/US agenda is vast, ranging from Iraq, trade issues, Kyoto, China, Iran's nuclear activities, Taiwanese security and international terrorism.
On Iraq, the two have moved closer, he believed. "It is probably the one issue on which they are most now in agreement because we are where we are, and because we have an interest in seeing a successful transition of Iraq to the role of a multi-ethnic democracy, as does the US."
Equally, the US's backing for a viable, contiguous Palestinian state has brought the two sides into greater harmony.
On the Kyoto treaty, the two are still working in different languages, but repeated Florida hurricanes, and the huge insurance losses that have come with them, are beginning to hit home in the land of the SUV.
"I think the economic argument is being increasingly realised over here. People are going to realise that we are not just talking virtue here. We are talking about real financial losses."
The climate is not the only thing changing. So, too, is the balance of power in the world. "The EU and the US probably have about 20 years left in which they will be able to set the world's agenda.
"Neither of us is able to set the world's agenda on our own anyway, but together we have a chance over the next 20 years to establish the rule of law, democratic governance and multi-lateral co-operation and pooling of sovereignty under democratic control as the way of dealing with the world's problems. We are at critical moment in world history.
"We are now seeing the emergence of new powers in India and China, and we have a chance in the next 20 years that they are absorbed into the world system in a way that is co-operative and involves reciprocal obligations, and that the change in the balance, which is inevitable, occurs in a peaceful and mutually respecting way.
"Or we can see that happen in a confrontational way, or in a way that people avert their eyes from problems until it is too late, which could be said is what happened 100 years ago."
Having a politician in an ambassador's job was supposed to raise the EU's profile on Capitol Hill. So far, he says modestly, it is working.
"I think what is different is that I am representing a much bigger union of 25 countries, rather than 12."
Being Irish helps. "There is an openness to listen to people from Ireland that is very strong. That used to be based on sympathy, but it is now based upon admiration - admiration for what we have achieved."
Former taoiseach or not, Mr Bruton still has to work hard for access to figures in the White House, the Senate, or the House of Representatives.
"Everybody here has to work hard for access. There are about 170 active embassies, plus you have the most sophisticated lobbying firms in the world operating in this town. You have to work very hard at it and take opportunities to meet people.
"Not only do I do that, my wife is involved in that too - not in the business side of it, but by opening up social lines of communication that are very important. You go along when you have something to say."
So far, Bruton has made a number of major television appearances to raise the EU's profile. "It is very important. Public diplomacy, which is what they call that here, actually influences private diplomacy. People get their messages from the media.
"If somebody from the EU explains Europe's position on Iran on the media and the staffer of some congressman or somebody in the State Department sees it, that will influence their thinking."
The move to Washington has been dramatic for Bruton and his wife, Finola. "I think the change of life in terms of work is not all that great because I suppose you have to be diplomatic in politics too, particularly when you have the responsibility of leading a political party for 10 years as I have had.
"But living in a different country is different. It is quite a change. A pleasant one, yes, but there are downsides too.
"I was delighted to get the offer that I got. All changes in life mean giving up some things and gaining others. There is no such thing as a change that doesn't involve some sacrifice. Three of our children are back in Europe, two of them in Ireland and one in Spain."
He was clearly delighted that the Dáil seat he held for 35 years has stayed with Fine Gael.