Ceremony sees 25 flags raised together for first time

The flags of all 25 EU member states were raised together for the first time today in glorious Dublin sunshine.

An enlargement ceremony marking the biggest expansion in European history welcomed in the 10 new member states in true style.

The heads of the 25-nation club sat side by side in the gardens of Presidential residence Áras an Uachtaráin.

The arrival of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and President Mary McAleese was heralded with a fanfare from six army buglers.

The President, dressed in fuchsia pink, was greeted by 400 teenagers from youth organisations throughout Ireland.

She said the Day of Welcome was a time of celebration and hope.

Mr Ahern said he welcomed the new member states with hope and pride.

Award winning poet Seamus Heaney read a poem he penned especially for the occasion – Beacons at Bealtaine.

As an Alpha quintet played traditional Irish music the leaders of all EU states were presented with their national flag by children with diverse European backgrounds.