Peace process top of Taoiseach’s agenda at White House

The Taoiseach has said he will discuss the stalled Northern Ireland peace process when he meets US President George Bush at the White House later today.

Immigration and a number of other Irish-related issues will also be on the agenda.

Representatives from a number of the Northern Ireland political parties will also be present at the official gatherings in the White House, as will Peter Hain.

The family of Joseph Rafferty, who was allegedly shot dead by the IRA in west Dublin last April, will also be present.

Joseph's sister Esther Uzell has said she will request that Mr Bush put pressure on Sinn Féin to help identify those responsible for Joseph's killing.

Mrs Uzell will be joined by Catherine McCartney, sister of Robert McCartney who was murdered by the IRA in Belfast in January of last year.

While the family have said some progress has been made in his case, Ms McCartney says much more needs to be done.

Both she and her family have claimed that Sinn Féin and the IRA are making efforts to hide Robert’s killers and those involved in the cover-up of his death.

Meanwhile, at home in Ireland the Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue has asked everybody to be good ambassadors for Ireland for the day and to behave responsibly.

He said that sufficient resources, laws and a Garda presence are in place for the day but that the main responsibility lies with all citizens to keep the peace.