White House doors still open to North parties

THE White House has dismissed reports that Northern Ireland political parties will be excluded from St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Washington.

“No decision has been taken regarding invites being sent to Northern Ireland parties,” a state department spokeswoman said.

If they are excluded, it will be the first time in more than a decade that Sinn Féin and the main unionist parties are not part of the March 17 celebrations. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the Dáil yesterday that a decision had already been taken by the US Government on the issue but he did not specify further.