The Taoiseach has indicated that he supported President Bush's plans for the next phase of the war on terror even if it means going after Iraq. Mr Ahern said that President Bush would not be launching an operation against Iraq any time soon. The Taoiseach was speaking at the White House, where the two men met today.
The Taoiseach told the President during their meeting that Ireland would support the efforts of the international community in the war against terrorism in every way open to it. Mr Bush told the Taoiseach that Ireland was a valuable member of the coalition.
Meanwhile, all the party leaders from the North attended a reception at the White House with President Bush, who paid tribute to the progress made by Northern Ireland's politicians over decommissioning and the running of a devolved government.
He said that his government was encouraged by the progress made. He urged the North's political leaders to continue to secure a peaceful future for future generations in Northern Ireland.
In another development, the Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble, repeated criticisms of the Republic while attending a breakfast meeting in Washington. He described last week's abortion referendum as a sectarian exercise. The Taoiseach said that Mr Trimble's comments were wrong on all counts.
In Washington tonight, Mr Ahern that veteran US politician Senator Ted Kennedy is to be honoured for his contribution to Ireland. A new chair in Health Management at Trinity College is to be named after the Senator. Making the announcement on Capitol Hill, the Taoiseach said that everybody knows the contribution Senator Kennedy has made to the whole area of caring and assisting people and making the world a better place.
