Bertie Ahern has dismissed the Real IRA as a "tiny organisation" with little or no support.

Speaking at St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington the Irish prime minister said: "We have no time for them and nobody has in the island of Ireland."

He also called on mainstream republicanism to resolve the issue of arms decommissioning, welcoming the IRA's announcement that it is to meet with General John de Chastelaine.

"Last week the IRA announced it would enter into discussions with the de Chastelaine commission...I look forward to these discussions making early progress toward the IRA, in their own words, completely and verifiably putting the gun beyond use," he said.

The Taoiseach also praised president Bush for his interest in the peace process, saying he was "very pleased by the response of the new administration".

On Thursday White House officials announced that Richard Hass, head of policy and planning at the State Department, would be responsible for Northern Ireland affairs, reporting direct to secretary of state Colin Powell. A move that has been welcomed by all Northern Ireland's political parties.

On Friday night at a symbolic reception to celebrate St Patrick's Day all of Northern Ireland's political leaders, including the Reverend Ian Paisley, leader of the anti-Good Friday agreement DUP meet president Bush at a reception.