When the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, flew in to the US late last night at the start of his St Patrick's Day visit he faced an unusual problem with customs, Patrick Smyth reports from Washington.
Shamrock brought from Ireland as a gift for President Bush, and due to be presented to him at a traditional ceremony in the White House tomorrow, will be examined by US Department of Agriculture officials on the watch for anything that might bring in foot-and-mouth.
Officially there is a ban on importation from the EU of "any agricultural products, particularly animal products, that could spread the disease" and diplomats were uncertain about whether the holy weed would be classed in that light.
A spokesman for the Irish Embassy said it had been aware of the problem and the Taoiseach's bunch would be accompanied by extensive paperwork and submitted for inspection. "We have taken every precaution," he said. Should the worst come to the worst, it has also identified a US source of shamrock.
Should the Taoiseach - St Patrick preserve us - fail to disclose his gift and be caught "green-handed", he would face a fine of up to $1,000.