Ahern set to stress importance of UN backing to Bush

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern is expected to underline the importance of UN backing for a war on Iraq when he meets President George W Bush in the White House today.

Facing criticism from the opposition over the Government’s failure to hold a debate on the Iraq crisis, Mr Ahern said there was no need for a debate as the situation had not changed.

He added that he will state his views on the Iraq situation when he meets President Bush.