Ahern meeting business chiefs in North

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will today address business chiefs in the North just days after a flagship company announced hundreds of job cuts.

Mr Ahern will travel to Omagh and Derry following the shock decision by American electronics firm Seagate to close one of its factories with the loss of around 900 jobs.

The Taoiseach is expected to focus on the future development of the north west region and how improvements in cross-border co-operation can benefit the gateway counties of Derry and Donegal and the surrounding region.

During his visit to Derry Mr Ahern will also meet members of the Chamber of Commerce, local business and civic leaders and political representatives.

The Taoiseach will also attend a reception hosted by Lord Mayor Drew Thompson in Derry City’s Guildhall.

He has also been invited to local tourist and cultural attractions and he will call to the Foyle Hospice, a highly respected institution serving communities on both sides of the border.

The Taoiseach will also travel to Omagh to meet civic leaders.