Taoiseach to begin week-long trip to US

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is due to depart for his annual St Patrick's Day visit to the United States later today.

Mr Ahern begins his five-day visit in California, where he is expected to announce a number of investment deals after meeting with business people in Silicon Valley.

He will then travel to Washington DC on Wednesday, where he is due to attend a series of engagements, including meeting with campaigners seeking an amnesty for illegal Irish immigrants.

Talks with Senator Hillary Clinton are also planned.

On Friday, the Taoiseach will present a bowl of shamrock to President George W Bush to mark St Patrick's Day before holding talks with him on Irish-related issues.

The peace process in the North is expected to dominate those talks.`