Statement by the Press Secretary: President to Welcome Irish Prime Minister Ahern to the White House on St. Patrick's Day

President Bush will host Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern at the White House on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2006. They will participate in the traditional "Shamrock Ceremony," which dates back decades and symbolizes the close friendship between the United States and Ireland. The President and the Taoiseach will meet in the Oval Office after the ceremony.

Following their meeting, President Bush and Prime Minister Ahern will be joined by U.K. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Hain and will greet civil society leaders who are striving to build an inclusive and peaceful Northern Ireland.