President McAleese to begin week-long US trip

President Mary McAleese is due to begin a week-long trip to the United States today.

Prof McAleese will be visiting the states of Montana, Colorado and Indiana, where she is due to meet local business leaders and representatives of the Irish-American community.

The President is due to launch an Irish Studies programme at the University of Montana during her trip and will also be made an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.