Taoiseach to meet Clinton in US next month

THE TAOISEACH, Mr Bruton, will hold his first meeting with President Clinton, following his re election yesterday, in Washington on December 16th.

Sources have confirmed that President Clinton will not visit Ireland for an EU summit with the Irish Presidency next month and that arrangements are being made instead for Mr Bruton to travel to Washington.

President Clinton's election victory was welcomed by Government and Opposition leaders in the Dail yesterday. There was a growing realisation, however, that the chairman of the multi party talks in Belfast, Senator George Mitchell, would probably be offered a post in the new US Cabinet.

Mr Bruton, the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Ahern, and the PD leader, Ms Harney, paid warm tributes to President Clinton's keen involvement in the Irish peace process during his first term and looked forward to his continued interest in the problem at this critical juncture in negotiations on the conditions for a renewed IRA ceasefire.

The Tanaiste Mr Spring, congratulated the President on running a superb campaign. He expressed the appreciation of the Government to Mr Clinton for his commitment to Northern Ireland.

There was little doubt in Government circles that the President would use his influence to help secure a ceasefire. Informed sources who had observed the President over the past four years described his interest in the Northern problem as "deeply personal, almost a fascination with the problem".

The US Ambassador, Mrs Jean Kennedy Smith, is expected to be reappointed, according to informed sources.

It is expected that Senator Mitchell will retain his position as chairman of the Belfast talks in the immediate future. President Clinton's new Cabinet will not be appointed until after his inauguration on January 22nd.

In the likely event of Senator Mitchell's promotion, the name of Ms Martha Pope, his chief aide, is being mentioned as a possible successor.

Suzanne Breen adds from Belfast:

The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, has extended his best wishes to President Clinton on his victory in the US presidential elections.

"President Clinton has been a good friend to Ireland," Mr Adams said. "His even handed approach to the search for peace has been a critical engagement which has clearly helped push the situation forward.

"I look forward to the President's continued involvement in our efforts to achieve a negotiated peace settlement."

The SDLP chairman, Mr Jonathan Stephenson, said the election result would greatly help the peace process.

"It seems much longer than a year since that emotional November day when President Clinton came to Northern Ireland. There have been many grave disappointments since then, but the President's energy and commitment to helping us resolve our problems remains a great source of encouragement and hope," Mr Stephenson said.

The Ulster Unionist councillor, Mr Reg Empey, expressed hope that President Clinton's economic, support for Northern Ireland would continue.

Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, a UUP honorary secretary, said Mr Clinton had taken a greater interest in Northern Ireland affairs than any other US President. Mr Donaldson said his party was looking forward to working with him again.