The leaders of Northern Ireland's government are today expected to put on a united front in Washington despite the controversy over Mr David Trimble's criticism of the Republic.
Stormont First Minister Mr Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mr Mark Durkan are due to brief US Secretary of State General Nr Colin Powell on developments in the Northern Ireland peace process.
Mr Trimble is at the centre of a diplomatic row with the Government following his claim during St Patrick's Day celebrations that last week's abortion referendum in the Republic proved the country was "sectarian".
In comments, which stunned Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern, the Ulster Unionist leader stood by remarks he made to his party at the weekend that the Republic was a "pathetic, sectarian mono-cultural, mono-ethnic state".
He claimed that because the recent abortion referendum in the Republic was "sectarian" his comments to the Ulster Unionist Council had touched a raw nerve.
Mr Trimble's remarks were challenged by Mr Ahern and by the First Minister. Mr Durkan said: "I do not think the campaign was sectarian and I certainly do not think the vote was sectarian".
Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan's meeting with Mr Powell will mark the end of a three-day visit by both ministers to the US capital for St Patrick's week celebrations. Mr Durkan is flying on to St Louis where he will be the guest of honour at the city's annual Saint Patrick's Day parade.
The First and Deputy First Ministers mingled with guests at the American Ireland Fund dinner last night where Mr Ahern was honoured for efforts to achieve peace in Northern Ireland.
PA