The new US ambassador to Ireland, his excellency, Mr Thomas C Foley presented his credentials to the President Ms Mary McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin today.
He was accompanied by Mr Jonathon Benton, Deputy Head of Mission and Colonel Paul Flynn, Defence Attaché at the Embassy.
The Ambassador was escorted to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an escort of honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2nd Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin under the command of 2nd Lieutenant David Coughlan.
The ceremony featured a guard of honour provided by the DFTC Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, under the command of Lieutenant Dermot Farrelly and the Army No 1 Band conducted by Lieutenant Brian Prendergast.
The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, also attended the ceremony.