Taoiseach flies out to US ahead of St Patrick's Day
The Taoiseach heads to the United States later today in advance of the traditional St Patrick's Day ceremonies at the White House and on Capitol Hill.
This year's trip is shorter than usual as Good Friday falls in the same week as St Patrick's Day.
Mr Ahern is expected to pay tribute the role of Irish America in US society in supporting peace and prosperity in Ireland.
This is Mr Ahern's last White House event with President Bush who bows out of office at the end of the year.
During his US visit Mr Ahern will also meet with Nancy Pelosi and other members of the US Congress.
