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

President Bush will welcome Irish Prime Minister Ahern to the White House on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2005. They will participate in the traditional "Shamrock Ceremony," which celebrates the warm friendship between our nations and the many contributions to America made by the Irish and Americans of Irish descent. The President and the Taoiseach will meet in the Oval Office after the ceremony.

Following his meeting with the Taoiseach, the President will greet civil society leaders from Northern Ireland who are working to promote peace and tolerance in their community.