Incoming American President Mr George W Bush has indicated his commitment to the Northern Ireland peace process.
Mr Bush's pledge was reported today by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as he congratulated the new head of state on his inauguration as 43rd President of the United States.
And, relaying good wishes to Mr Bush, his wife Laura and their family, as they entered the White House, Mr Ahern impressed upon the new president of the "invaluable" backing of successive American administrations in the bid to secure peace in Northern Ireland.
The Irish premier said his government looked forward to working closely with Mr Bush on a whole range of common issues between Ireland and the United States - political, economic and cultural - and to "strengthening the close and mutually beneficial links between us".
He added: "Over many years, the support of successive presidents, administrations and members of congress in the United States for efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland has been invaluable - particularly in achieving the Good Friday agreement.
"President Bush wrote to me this week, confirming his strong personal interest and on-going commitment to the peace process.
"I look forward to working with him and continuing the strong tradition of friendship and cooperation that has characterised relations between our two countries in the past."
Mr Bush's comments followed concern in Dublin's political circles about the scale of an anticipated possible decline in American interest in Northern Ireland after the departure of President Bill Clinton, seen as one of the key figures in the peace process.
PA