State Papers: Bertie Ahern's meeting with Bush confirmed fears over Northern Ireland

Bertie Ahern presents a shamrock plant to President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush on March 16, 2001.

The first meeting between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and George W Bush confirmed the fears of Irish officials that Northern Ireland would not receive the same attention from the new US president as from his predecessor, Bill Clinton.

Newly released files from the National Archives reveal details of the exchanges between Mr Ahern and President Bush in the White House on March 16, 2001, ahead of the traditional shamrock ceremony.