The White House sought to reassure Ireland last night of President George W. Bush's interest in the Northern peace process after the heavy involvement of Mr Bill Clinton.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen met senior Bush administration figures in Washington yesterday.
Mr Cowen said they were clearly very informed about the peace process and offered US assistance where appropriate and when requested.
He said the substance of US policy remained the same as it did under Mr Clinton.
"Clearly every administration has their own particular style," Mr Cowen said. "But the substance of the issues is what is important, and the consistent approach, the goodwill, the availability of counsel and guidance . . . is something I think should be very reassuring."
"The substance of the policy is the issue and we are satisfied that it will be a consistent approach," he said after meeting US Secretray of State Mr Colin Powell.
Mr Cowen said Mr Bush was looking forward to meeting the Taoiseach Mr Ahern for traditional St Patrick's Day events in Washington but said there were no plans for Mr Bush to visit Ireland any time soon.
Last week Mr Bush praised Mr Clinton's efforts to bring peace to Northern Ireland but suggested he would wait to be asked before stepping in.