Senior US politicians have declared their support for continued dialogue with Sinn Féin but stressed that inviting the party to the White House on St Patrick's Day was a matter for President Bush. Deaglán de Bréadún, Foreign Affairs Correspondent, reports.
Senator Edward Kennedy, speaking in advance of a meeting in his office in Washington D.C. with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, told reporters: "There is a general recognition here in the US that political parties have to act responsibly and that there can't be a paramilitary association."
Emphasising that there was "a good deal of anxiety and concern" in the US about the Northern Bank raid, he said the peace process should nevertheless continue. "Even with all of the challenges that we face, all of us want to see this process move forward.
"It's really the only way, based upon the Good Friday agreement. It's going to take men and women of continued commitment, dedication and leadership to see that process continue to move forward."
However, the question of who should be invited to the St Patrick's Day reception was a matter for the White House.
"They make independent judgments and decisions." But he pointed out that there was "a lot to talk about" with all the parties from Northern Ireland.