 Ireland holding Presidency of the EU | |
Ireland assumed the presidency of the European Union yesterday, pledging to re-build relations between Europe and the United States.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern believes our close historical ties with America leave us well placed to mend fences damaged by differences over steel tariffs, European defence policy, the International Criminal Court and, above all, the war in Iraq.
The Taoiseach used a ceremony marking the new presidency to emphasise the importance of the EU and the US working together.
"Of course, we differ in various policy areas but that is not to say we should not be working closely together," he said.
Mr Ahern left open the possibility of a visit here by President Bush in the later stages of the Irish presidency.
The Taoiseach said he would be meeting President Bush several times during the course of the six months, including the customary St Patrick's Day ceremonies at the White House.
If Mr Bush was to come to Ireland for a summit, it would be towards the end of our presidency in June, he said.
The key event during Ireland's presidency will be when the EU embraces 10 new states on May 1, mainly from eastern Europe. | 
