Ahern to defend Irish exports in meeting with Bush

The Taoiseach will lobby for the preservation of Ireland's export trade with the US in his first formal meeting with President Bush today.

In a 45 minute meeting with the president, Mr Ahern will stress this country "does not have a single case of foot-and-mouth" and should be exempt from a 14-day US ban on animal products from Europe, imposed after confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in France.

Lobbying by Irish officials has succeeded in exempting certain Irish products like Casein (a protein derived from milk) and cream liqueurs from the ban. The EU is appealing the ban on the grounds that it contravenes the present GATT agreement.

At the meeting, scheduled for 10.30 a.m. (3.30 p.m. Irish time) the Taoiseach will also discuss the present situation in the North ahead of the June target date on police reform. Mr Ahern said yesterday he was "very heartened" by the Bush administration's level of interest in Northern Ireland after meeting White House officials.

After his formal meeting with Mr Ahern, Mr Bush is also expected to meet briefly with the North's first minister Mr Trimble and his deputy Mr Mallon.

After the meetings Mr Bush will play host to around 200 guests at the traditional White House St Patrick's Day reception.

The Taoiseach is due to return home this evening.