16/06/2008

Cowen In Belfast For Bush Visit

Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen is in Belfast this afternoon as US President George Bush flies in for a short visit.

The US's leading citizen is in town along with UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife who have also travelled to Belfast to - again - greet the President and his wife Laura on their arrival from an earlier meeting between the two heads of state in London.

During his visit this afternoon, Mr Bush will meet pupils and teachers at a mixed-faith school while Mrs Bush will attend a series of private engagements.

Mr Bush is heading for Stormont too, but there will be no photocall at Parliament Buildings, and the NI MLAs will not be gathering to say 'Hi' either.

Meanwhile, as well as giant 'No Bush' lettering that has appeared overnight on the Black Mountain overlooking Belfast - visible from many points, including the dome of the new Victoria Shopping Centre - several hundred people have today demonstrated in Belfast city centre against the US President's visit.

Some even climbed to the roof of the City Hall and erected an Iraqi flag.

(BMcC)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 January 2008
Irish Troops Hurt As Lebanese Bomb Heralds Bush Visit
Tensions are being raised ahead of a US presidential visit to the Middle East tomorrow with news that Irish troops have had a lucky escape in a roadside bomb attack in Lebanon. The two UN peacekeeping soldiers were slightly wounded when the bomb hit their vehicle in the south of the country on Tuesday.
08 April 2014
President Higgins Begins State Visit To UK
President Michael D Higgins has started his first official State visit to the UK. The President and his wife arrived in London on Monday evening.
24 June 2010
Queen Elizabeth May Come To Republic
It has emerged the Queen of the United Kingdom may visit the Republic of Ireland for the first time since the beginning of her reign. After a meeting between the Prime Minister David Cameron in London and Taoiseach Brian Cowen, plans have surfaced that the Queen's first state visit to Ireland may come before the end of next year.
02 March 2010
McAleese To Visit London Olympics Site
Irish President Mary McAleese will visit the 2012 Olympics site in London during a two-day trip to England this week. Members of the Olympic Delivery Authority will greet the President before giving her a tour of the 2.5 sq km park, the Press Association reports.