Exchange With Reporters on Returning to the White House

First Lady's Arrival

The President. Hey, look who's here.

The First Lady. Hi, everybody.

The President. Barney's back. [Laughter]

The First Lady. Barney had a really good trip.

The President. Hey, Spot, look who's here.

Q. Mrs. Bush, where are you coming from?

The First Lady. I'm coming from Texas. I've been at the ranch.

Meeting With Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland

Q. What do you expect out of your meeting with the Irish leaders?

The President. Pardon me?

Q. What do you expect out of your meeting with the Irish PM—Prime Minister?

The President. I had a good meeting, and I'll have one tomorrow, as well. Looking forward to it. We'll be discussing the Good Friday agreement, what I can do to help; be reaffirming our trade with Ireland. We had a good visit with him at lunch.

I'm looking forward to seeing him tomorrow.

Campaign Finance Reform Legislation

Q. Mr. President, are you prepared to send your suggestions on campaign finance legislation to the Hill, and——

The President. Pretty soon.

Q. ——what would you like to see in it?

The President. Well, wait until I send them up there, but we'll be sending some principles up here pretty soon.

Q. Not today?

The President. Maybe today.

Q. Mr. President, to follow up, I mean, do you still support limited soft money contributions?

The President. I think we ought to get rid of labor union and corporate soft money. And I know we need to make sure we have—to make sure that shareholders and labor union members have got a sayso on how their money is spent.

Assistant Press Secretary Gordon Johndroe. Thank you all very much.

The President. Just getting warmed up. [Laughter]

Q. Thank you, Barney.

The President. Thank you.