The Taoiseach Mr Ahern is flying to Washington, DC, today for a series of "high-powered" meetings with US politicians including his first conference with US President Mr George W. Bush.
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Mr Ahern flies to Washington today
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Mr Ahern will meet Mr Bush for the first time on Friday at the White House. The Taoiseach is expected to discuss the North following indications from Mr Bush that he would like to play a role in Irish affairs, particularly the Northern peace process, a Government spokesman said.
Before his meeting with the president, Mr Ahern is to attend a number of high-profile Irish-American events in the run-up to St Patrick’s Day.
Among these will be the Speaker's Lunch on Capitol Hill, an important fixture for Irish-Americans, which will be hosted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Denis Hastert. The Taoiseach will give the main address and the event will be attended by all the main contenders on both sides of the House of Representatives.
The Taoiseach is due to meet with Mr Ted Kennedy tomorrow afternoon and will be the guest of honour at the Ireland Fund Ball in the evening.