Martin set for talks with Clinton

Foreign Minister Micheál Martin will meet US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today during a series of political and economic engagements in the run-up to St Patrick’s Day.

The minister will discuss political developments in the north and current economic issues during the talks in Washington DC.

He will also accompany Taoiseach Brian Cowen for his St Patrick’s celebrations with US President Barack Obama and meet members of the Global Irish Network, formed after last year’s Global Economic Forum in Farmleigh.

Mr Martin said: “I look forward to discussing areas for greater co-operation between our two countries so that we can continue to strengthen this key relationship.”

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach will make the keynote address at the annual dinner of the American Ireland Fund.

His speech is expected to focus on recent progress in the North’s peace process following the Hillsborough Agreement.

Mr Cowen will also attend a business event hosted by Enterprise Ireland for Irish companies operating in the United States.