Bush presses for Irish peace at St Patrick’s Day reception

President Bush celebrated St Patrick’s Day early today and used the occasion to encourage peace for Northern Ireland.

‘‘The people of Northern Ireland know the threat of terror, they know the value of peace,’’ Bush said at a reception in the East Room of the White House.

‘‘America is encouraged with the great strides that have been made in implementing the Good Friday agreement.’’

Bush cited the daily business of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the peaceful work of a new Northern Ireland police force as proof of progress in the province.

Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Fein, were among those applauding the president at the annual reception.

The trio met privately with Bush and others in the Oval Office.

‘‘The good citizens of Northern Ireland and the leaders here today have demonstrated a fierce determination that the next generation must not grow up amid the ’troubles,’’’ Bush said in the East Room,.

Quoting an Irish proverb, Bush said continued peacemaking will be difficult - like planting in hard soil.

Asked about criticism that the Bush administration has been too hands-off in the Northern Ireland peace process, Ahern said afterward he does not share that view of the president. ‘‘He’s absolutely helpful to us,’’ the Taoiseach said.

In the Roosevelt Room of the White House, President Bush accepted from a crystal bowl heaped with clipped shamrocks from Berti Ahern.

Behind closed doors in the Oval Office, Bush met Northern Ireland leaders then proceeded to the reception and on to Capitol Hill for the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon.

Bush treated his guests to a traditional greeting ‘‘A hundred thousand welcomes to you all,’’ he said - but in English.

‘‘I’m probably not going to try to say that in Gaelic,’’ he added with a chuckle.

On Saturday, Bush plans to participate in Chicago’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.