After weeks of speculation, it has finally been confirmed that the guest list for the annual St Patrick's Day reception in the White House will not include party leaders from Northern Ireland.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams will, however, have an opportunity to meet US politicians at the annual American Ireland Fund dinner in Washington on March 16th.
He has been invited along with leading political figures from the North and the South. The main speaker at the dinner will be Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the event will honour Republican senator John McCain and Washington lawyer Paul Quinn.
The White House confirmed yesterday that US president George Bush will meet Mr Ahern for the usual shamrock ceremony on March 17th.
US sources said categorically that the Northern Ireland party leaders would not be at the event. It is also understood no invitation has been extended to the sisters of murdered Belfastman Robert McCartney, who have talked about bringing their campaign for justice to the US.