McAleese will welcome Bush

President Mary McAleese has defended US President George W Bush’s visit to Ireland and said she would be welcoming him to Co Clare this Saturday.

Mrs McAleese said today that, while people had a right to protest against the visit, she was happy to meet and greet Mr Bush on behalf of the Irish people.

“We are the hosts for Europe, not just for Ireland,” she said.

There is huge opposition to the Bush visit due to the US president’s foreign policies.