Ahern speech to reflect on Ireland and Britain’s shared history
He will address the British houses of parliament shortly after noon, becoming the 32nd world leader to have been afforded that privilege.
He was extended the invitation by soon-to-retire Prime Minister Tony Blair in recognition of their close partnership in working on the Northern peace process since 1997, when both were first elected to power.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny will also be in attendance to hear Mr Ahern’s speech.
The Taoiseach will meet with Mr Blair at Downing Street, after which both men will travel together to the Palace of Westminster.
The address will take place in the Royal Gallery at Westminster before an audience of up to 500 people.
A statement issued by his office last night said the Taoiseach’s address comes at a time of transformed relations between Ireland and Britain.
It follows the historic steps forward in recent weeks leading to the restoration of devolved government in the North.
And in an indication of the contents of his speech, it added: “The Taoiseach is expected to reflect on Ireland and Britain’s shared history and the range of partnerships — people, culture, business — between the two countries.
“A significant part of his address will be devoted to the partnership between the two governments in the peace process.
“The invitation to speak to members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords is an honour rarely offered to foreign leaders. Among those previously offered the honour were Nelson Mandela, President Chirac of France and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.”
The trip to London will give Mr Ahern some reprieve from the so-called BertieGate payments controversy which has dogged the first fortnight of the campaign.
The party’s strategists say the speech today, in addition to Fianna Fáil’s attack on opposition spending plans, will be enough to draw a line under the issue.
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