Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams yesterday told Americans that US President George W Bush planned to support the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Mr Adams, speaking before the St Patrick's Day Ball in Atlanta, said there had been some concern that Bush would not be as involved as former president Bill Clinton.
"I know there was some concern that with Clinton gone, there'd be less emphasis in America with our peace process," said Mr Adams, who met Mr Bush yesterday. "That wasn't our experience. The president had some very positive remarks. He said he was committed to the US helping."
Mr Bush also met the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, yesterday, discussing trade and implementation of the Belfast agreement.
"There are lots of guns in the situation," Mr Adams said. "There's a lot of British guns, not just the IRA's. The IRA's weapons have been silenced. They've taken a number of steps to open up to inspection. So there is progress being made."
Mr Adams was guest of honour at last night's ball in a midtown Atlanta hotel.
AP