Cowen to leave for Washinton today

Taoiseach Brian Cowen will embark on his annual St Patrick's Day visit to the United States today, armed with a positive message about Ireland's economy.

Mr Cowen will spend time with prominent business leaders and influential expatriates before a March 17 engagement with President Barack Obama.

The Taoiseach, who will also meet US Vice-President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, will hold talks with Mr Obama before presenting him with a shamrock.

Mr Cowen said the trip was about sending a strong and positive message about Ireland's future.

"We will be telling our friends and partners all over the world that we are taking action to confront our economic problems and to build a sustainable economic future for our people," he said.

"My aim is to listen and learn from our friends, as well as to assure them that Ireland is taking the necessary action to bring about economic recovery."

During his visits to Chicago, Silicon Valley and Washington DC, the Taoiseach is set to meet top US companies and members of the Global Irish Network - established after last year's Global Irish Forum at Farmleigh.

Mr Cowen will attend engagements with the North's First Minister, Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie and deliver a keynote address to the Ireland Fund dinner in Washington DC.