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04/03/2005
NI parties shut out of White House St Patrick's Day celebrations
Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has confirmed that Northern Ireland’s political parties will not be invited to this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations at the White House.
Mr Ahern said that he was not involved in the discussions surrounding the decision, however it is believed that local parties were not invited following the recent furore over the Northern Bank raid.
"I don't think anyone will be surprised - all I hope is that we will be in a better state next year," Mr Ahern said.
"Because I'm sure the President would like to have it the way it has been, at least since the last administration."
Secretary of State Paul Murphy, meanwhile, said it was “a matter for the American Government which parties are being invited to the White House”.
Mr Murphy confirmed that he will be travelling to the United States during the St Patrick’s celebrations to fulfil a number of engagements.
“I will be in the United States that week and will be in both New York and Washington,” he added.
(MB/SP)
Mr Ahern said that he was not involved in the discussions surrounding the decision, however it is believed that local parties were not invited following the recent furore over the Northern Bank raid.
"I don't think anyone will be surprised - all I hope is that we will be in a better state next year," Mr Ahern said.
"Because I'm sure the President would like to have it the way it has been, at least since the last administration."
Secretary of State Paul Murphy, meanwhile, said it was “a matter for the American Government which parties are being invited to the White House”.
Mr Murphy confirmed that he will be travelling to the United States during the St Patrick’s celebrations to fulfil a number of engagements.
“I will be in the United States that week and will be in both New York and Washington,” he added.
(MB/SP)
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