Bowled over

But though the clouds of war with Iraq loomed, casting their shadow over the ceremonies, and even managed to inject an edgy note into what is usually a bland occasion, the Irish peace process managed to thrust itself forward with a handshake and remarkable plea on policing from President Bush at the reception in the White House.
There was a ruffle on the surface of the placid formalities of the opening ceremony of the celebrations Thursday, when the Irish taoiseach traditionally offers the president a bowl of shamrock. At least, if not shaken by the winds of war, a slight breeze rippled over the formalities of the presentation as President Bush, after thanking Bertie Ahern for the shamrocks