Taoiseach to address Welsh Assembly

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will address the Welsh Assembly tomorrow in a visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.

He will hold meetings with Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan, Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy, Assembly Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas and Foreign Office Minister Brian Wilson, before addressing the Assembly members.

The Six Nations rugby tie between Ireland and Wales, which was due to be played in Cardiff on Saturday, has been postponed because of fears of spreading the foot and mouth disease, but a Welsh spokeswoman said there was no fear of the Taoiseach's trip being cancelled.