Ahern to focus on Madrid bombings

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said much of his talks with US president, George Bush, today will concentrate on the Madrid bombings.

Bertie Ahern will present the traditional bowl of Shamrock to President Bush in Washington DC when the two Leaders meet in the White House.

Up to 20 Government ministers are attending international events this week.

Speaking at the American Ireland Fund annual St. Patrick's Day dinner in the US capital last night, Bertie Ahern said international terrorism must be confronted.

It is thought that President George Bush will single out members of the North's district policing partnerships for particular praise at today's St. Patrick's Day ceremony at the White House.

In a move designed to increase pressure on Sinn Féin, last night, the Northern Secretary, Paul Murphy, said the district policing board members were the heroes of the new era.

The Irish Anti-War Movement says Mr Ahern should reject Bush's war agenda by refusing to meet with him in Washington today.

Spokesman for the group, Richard Boyd Barrett, called on the Government to withdraw its invitation to George Bush to visit Ireland in June.