Byrne appointed cultural ambassador

GABRIEL BYRNE was unveiled as Ireland’s first cultural ambassador to the United States as the White House was playing host to all things green for St Patrick’s Day.

Investment in the Irish economy and the Northern peace process were set to dominate Brian Cowen’s annual meeting with the American president ahead of a glamorous White House reception with Ireland’s cultural achievement as its theme.

The Taoiseach and US President Barack Obama were holding top-level talks ahead of the St Patrick’s Day shamrock presentation after Foreign Minister Micheál Martin began the diplomatic offensive with discussions with secretary of state Hillary Clinton.