The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has been criticised for appealing to the general public not to protest against the impending visit by President Bush. Such a viewpoint is understandable, given the passions engendered by the war in Iraq and the attitude of the US Administration towards environmental issues.
But it fails to take into account the broader responsibilities of the Taoiseach in safeguarding the national interest and reflecting his responsibilities as president of the European Union.
All citizens have a right to protest, provided they conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner. And, no doubt, many thousands will exercise that right when Mr Bush comes to call. As a willing host and president of the EU, there was no question of Mr Ahern seeking to diminish that freedom in any way. Instead, he drew attention to the efforts being made by the Irish presidency to get EU-US relations back on an even keel after the Iraq war and to engage directly with the Americans on environmental issues.
Ireland has had a long and fruitful relationship with the United States. Of all other nationalities, Irish people probably feel the closest affinity to Americans. And Mr Ahern may be in a position to repair some of the damage caused to EU-US relations in recent years. In that context, it should not be forgotten that EU governments are themselves divided on the question of Iraq.
Like it or not, this economy is heavily dependent on exports by high-tech US companies. And the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, is actively engaged in attracting new start-up operations. About 600 US companies have already located here, with investments of some €40 billion.
In those circumstances, it was no more than prudent for Mr Ahern to refer to the effect anti-Bush protests might have on US business sentiment. The Taoiseach's comments could also be viewed as a form of insurance: a public affirmation of the Government's goodwill. It appeared to be viewed in that light by the US Secretary of State, Mr Colin Powell, who said public protests would not ruin the summit meeting between the United States and the European Union.
Playing the part of a civilised host does not mean we cannot, as a society, disagree in good faith with US policy. As a former colony, Irish people take a highly critical view of foreign military adventures and of unilateral action on economic and environmental fronts. In reflecting those values, however, any public protest must remain firmly within the law and mirror the kind of behaviour we would expect from others.