Taoiseach to begin week-long trip to US
13/03/2006 - 08:29:14The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is due to depart for his annual St Patrick's Day visit to the United States later today.
Mr Ahern begins his five-day visit in California, where he is expected to announce a number of investment deals after meeting with business people in Silicon Valley.
He will then travel to Washington DC on Wednesday, where he is due to attend a series of engagements, including meeting with campaigners seeking an amnesty for illegal Irish immigrants.
Talks with Senator Hillary Clinton are also planned.
On Friday, the Taoiseach will present a bowl of shamrock to President George W Bush to mark St Patrick's Day before holding talks with him on Irish-related issues.
The peace process in the North is expected to dominate those talks.`
