The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has revealed that forging closer ties between the United States and the European Union will be one of his priorities when Ireland takes over the EU presidency on January 1.
Speaking in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, Mr Ahern said he would be promoting "greater co-operation with the US on important issues" and "a more meaningful dialogue with less rhetoric".
The Taoiseach was speaking after a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy.