Ireland's position not downgraded - Ahern

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern warned the Fine Gael leader, Mr Noonan, against asserting that Ireland's position in Europe and the United States was being downgraded.

Mr Noonan referred to an Irish Times article which quoted the EU President, Mr Romano Prodi, as saying he would not visit Ireland before the referendum on the Nice Treaty, "because he can establish our position by referring to Mr Blair, the British Prime Minister".

Also the US President, Mr Bush, had stated he would only become involved in Northern Ireland at the request of Mr Blair: "Are we so weak that our position on Europe and the United States is brokered by the British Prime Minister?"

The Taoiseach had not seen the article and assumed it was "a mistake by Mr Prodi", who would be here soon, Mr Ahern said. "I discussed this with him on the telephone. He was unable to come in February because of other commitments." Mr Blair didd not discuss our affairs wit Mr Prodi, he added.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, was discussing Northern Ireland and other matters this week with Mr Colin Powell, the US Secretary of State. He himself would meet President Bush in a fortnight.

"What are the Taoiseach's plans for refocusing the White House's attention on Northern Ireland?" Mr Noonan asked. "He will present the traditional shamrock to President Bush, but there will be no White House reception for the Irish."

The Fine Gael leader's remarks "do not stand up to analysis and are silly", the Taoiseach replied. He would meet Mr Bush as part of the formal St Patrick's Day arrangements. "There will not be any social craic agus rince, but that will not affect diplomatic relations as it only started in recent years."