A US advance party has arrived in Dublin to begin preparations for President Clinton's visit in September. The reconnaissance team flew to Dublin last night to examine up to six venues that might be put on the schedule.
No programme has yet been worked out and a spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said the only firm arrangement was a meeting between President Clinton and the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
It is understood that a trip by Mr Clinton to Ballybunion, Co Kerry, for a game of golf is almost certain. The invitation to play at Ballybunion - one of the top 10 links courses in the world - was issued by the former Tanaiste, Mr Dick Spring.
Even though the US President will travel to Ballybunion by helicopter, his advance party will spend the next few days driving to a number of towns to select one he might visit en route to Kerry.
In addition to playing a round of golf, as promised, Mr Clinton is apparently keen to visit at least one other venue outside Dublin. According to the Department spokesman, the emphasis of this visit will be on having a "weekend holiday" rather than an effort to repeat the last visit, which drew enormous crowds into central Dublin for an enthusiastic reception.
During his trip to Ireland in 1995, when he came to boost the peace process, Mr Clinton received the freedom of Dublin, addressed the Oireachtas, met the then President, Mrs Mary Robinson, and political leaders.
This time it is unlikely a largescale public event will occur. Nor will he meet the President, Mrs McAleese, who will be out of the State. His audience is expected to be much smaller at any event he attends.
But while in the Republic he will have a high-profile formal meeting with the Taoiseach and deliver a major speech during a public occasion. Details of such an event have yet to be considered and agreed.