French PM begins visit to Ireland

French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin has begun an official state visit to Ireland to mark the country’s presidency of the European Union.

Mr Raffarin was greeted at Arás an Uachtaráin by President Mary McAleese, ahead of a meeting with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.

The two men were expected to discuss ongoing negotiations on the proposed EU constitution, as well as relations between France and Ireland.