US President George Bush was due to hold talks in Ireland today in a bid to repair relations between Washington and the EU

US President George Bush was due to hold talks in Ireland today in a bid to repair relations between Washington and the EU, which had been damaged by differences over the war in Iraq. Mr Bush was attending a major EU-US summit at Dromoland Castle in County Clare amid the largest security operation ever staged in the Irish state. Diplomats say the meeting will seek to move on from the divisions over Iraq and focus on the post-Saddam future of the country, the Middle East and increasing trans-Atlantic trade. Irish premier Bertie Ahern will lead the EU delegation at the summit in his current role as President of the European Council. Mr Ahern is also due to have a separate meeting with Mr Bush where he is likely to brief him on the political situation in Northern Ireland following his talks yesterday with Prime Minister Tony Blair in London. The summit is also expected to see the signing of a declaration, which will lead to the strengthening of trade links between the EU and US.