A BUDDHIST lama, who is a former actor and member of his country’s parliament, has been behind the planning and design of Ireland’s first Tibetan temple.

The prime minister of Tibet’s exiled government said today that leaders would push for Tibetan independence if a key meeting of exiles this week decides to drop the Dalai Lama’s measured path of compromise.

The Dalai Lama’s envoys and Chinese officials are planning a second round of talks, China’s state-run news agency said today.

The Dalai Lama’s envoys met Chinese officials today – the first talks between the two sides have since violent anti-government protests erupted in Tibet.