Carter to pay courtesy calls on President and Taoiseach

Former US President Jimmy Carter is due to pay courtesy calls on President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern during a visit to Ireland today.

Mr Carter is in the country to address a human rights conference tomorrow.

He served as US President from 1977 until 1981, when he was defeated by Ronal Reagan.

Since then, he has set up a foundation to promote democracy, human rights and global health, and has also acted as an international peace negotiator.