The government has said it is too early to say what role President Clinton might play in resolving difficulties in the peace process during his visit to Ireland, which the White House is billing as a politically active rather than celebratory trip.
A spokesman said last night the Government would try to get "maximum use" out of the visit and will "do our best to knit him into anything that is going on at the time".
Talks are continuing between senior officials of the British government, the North's political parties and the republican movement in an attempt to end the standoff between republicans and the Ulster Unionists.
Attempts are being made to ensure a re-engagement of the IRA with the de Chastelain decommissioning body and a lifting of the UUP block on Sinn Fein attendance at meetings of the North/South Ministerial Council.
As these discussions drag on into December, there has been speculation that President Clinton's visit could play a role in triggering the "choreography" of a series of moves to end the deadlock. Such a role would bring enormous satisfaction to the President, who has only weeks left in office and has given enormous attention to the peace process during his eight years in the White House.
Neither the precise timing of the President's visits to Dublin, Belfast and London, nor his itinerary, has yet been confirmed. However, he will certainly meet the President, Mrs McAleese, and have talks with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, concerning the implementation of the Belfast Agreement.
Sources said last night the Government was keen to emphasise economic ties between Ireland and the US, and to this end a visit to a major US multinational operation in or near Dublin was being considered. There may also be a public event and a formal lunch or dinner in honour of the President.