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 WASHINGTON (AP) - Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, paying his ritual St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House, said Monday he finally was able to declare that peace has taken hold after decades of bloody violence in Northern Ireland.
President Bush, receiving Ahern in the Oval Office, agreed that "Northern Ireland is a different place than it was last year."
The president and the prime minister celebrated the day at the White House and on Capitol Hill, where they had their traditional luncheon with congressional leaders. They dined on roasted lamb chops, potato croquettes and vegetable fondue. Entertainment was provided by a lively, four-piece Irish folk band — two fiddles, guitar and drum.
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