Things are looking up for St Patrick's Day. The new US President, George W. Bush, wrote to the Taoiseach this week. It wasn't an invitation to the now traditional hooley in the White House, but still. Bush thanked Bertie Ahern for his congratulations on his inauguration, and said how much he appreciated and valued his support, how he looked forward to working with him to promote good relations between the two countries, peace in the North and - via the UN Security Council - making the world a safer and more prosperous place. So now Bush, maybe, knows we exist. He will know more shortly. Bertie will be turning up on his doorstep with a bowl of shamrock on March 16th. Besides presenting the shamrock, the Taoiseach will be in Washington that weekend for the Speaker's lunch on Capitol Hill, a highly prestigious occasion where he will make the main address, and for the America Ireland Fund dinner.
As for the hooley. Bill Clinton started that a few years into his reign, and there is no onus on Bush to continue it. There's no news yet.