Taoiseach to outline programme for EU presidency

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is due to outline Ireland’s programme for the EU presidency in an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg today.

Mr Ahern is expected to tell MEPs that Ireland will use the six-month presidency to push for agreement on the details of a proposed EU constitution.

He is also expected to say that Ireland wants to make a success of EU enlargement, promote security and justice and repair relations between the EU and the United States.