Blair to meet Taoiseach for Dublin talks

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is set to meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair for talks next Thursday at Farmleigh House in Dublin.

They will discuss the current position in the peace process as well as the measures needed for the full restoration of the democratic institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.

Both are expected to emphasise the need for all of the parties to engage intensively in the coming months, beginning with the talks scheduled by the two governments for early February.

The Taoiseach will be accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Justice. Mr Blair will be accompanied by the Northern Secretary, Peter Hain.