Bush: US ready to help peace process

American President George W Bush said today he was ready to help the Northern Ireland peace process in any way he could.

Speaking at the White House as he received the traditional gift of shamrock from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, President Bush said his administration was ready and willing to become involved in Northern Ireland.

"I assure him and continue to do so that the US stands ready to help in any way that those involved need," said the President.

He praised the contribution of the Government to the peace process and especially that of Mr Ahern.

"The peace process that holds today is in no small measure a tribute to the Taoiseach and courageous leadership.

"We are grateful for all that the Taoiseach and the Irish Government have done to help the peace in Northern Ireland.’’

Mr Ahern said he too was grateful for the long-standing contribution of the Americans to peace in Northern Ireland.

"As the British and Irish governments and the political parties now work together on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement it is good to count on the support of good friends," he said.

"We deeply appreciate the words that you said yesterday on Capitol Hill.

"The shamrock is richly symbolic. It has come to illustrate the concept of unity in diversity that we are striving for in Northern Ireland."