TAOISEACH (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern will travel to New York and Washington, D.C. next month to celebrate the St. Patrick’s season with a series of political and economic meetings that will culminate with the annual shamrock ceremony at the White House with President Bush on Friday, March 16.

Ahern is due to arrive in New York on Tuesday, March 13. The following day he has a series of meetings in the city, including one with members of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. Though his schedule is still being finalized, he expected to speak at a meeting of Irish investment agency IDA Ireland, and the Council on Foreign Relations.

On Wednesday evening Ahern will be in Washington, D.C. for the annual fundraising dinner hosted by the American Ireland Fund. The organization is honoring House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

On Thursday Ahern will be on Capitol Hill for a round of meetings. Expected on the itinerary are sessions with a number of presidential contenders in 2008, including Senators Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd and Barack Obama. Ahern will also meet with Senator Edward Kennedy, and the congressional Friends of Ireland group.

Also on Thursday, Ahern will be the guest of honor at the annual luncheon hosted by the speaker of the House on Capitol Hill. Pelosi will follow in the tradition and act as host.

Friday morning will see Ahern at the White House for talks with President Bush, who, as per custom, will also be presented with a bowl of shamrock. A brief reception for Irish American leaders will follow.

Ahern is due to travel back to Ireland on Friday after the White House meetings.