Cowen toasts St Patrick's Day in US
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Tuesday March 16 2010
Taoiseach Brian Cowen is celebrating St Patrick's Day at the White House with US President Barack Obama.
Mr Cowen and his wife Mary will have breakfast with vice-president Joe Biden at the residence before the Taoiseach holds talks with the President and attends the Speaker's Lunch on Capitol Hill.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin are also in the US capital for the event.
Their celebrations in Washington will end with an evening reception at the White House, attended by a host of Irish sports and cultural figures.
Meanwhile, in Ireland hundreds of thousands of people will mark the national day at more than 180 events in towns and villages across the country.
Former national goalkeeper Packie Bonner will lead the Green Army through the streets of the Dublin as he takes the role of Grand Marshal in the famous parade.
This year's "Extraordinary World" theme will see hundreds of international street performers wind their way along a bustling 3km route.
In Belfast, the city council has organised a carnival procession for the fifth successive year, with musicians, performers and community groups who will parade through the heart of the city.
The St Patrick's Day parade is to be followed by a free concert at City Hall headlined by teenage rap star Chipmunk.
Gardai have advised parade spectators and motorists to take extra care and enjoy the day. Revellers were also warned to drink sensibly while publicans were told to be vigilant over the sale of alcohol, particularly to minors.
