Finnish President to visit Ireland

The president of Finland is paying a state visit to Ireland next month, it emerged today.

Ms Tarja Halonen will meet the Taoiseach and the President, Mary McAleese, during her three-day itinerary beginning on November 11.

Official engagements also include a luncheon hosted by Trinity College and a trip to the Boyne Valley region in Co Meath.

Ms Halonen will be accompanied by Finnish Labour Minister Tarja Cronberg and business representatives.

The 64-year-old was the first-ever female president of her country when elected in 2000. She was re-elected last year.

The politician visited Ireland as Foreign Minister in 1999 when Finland held the EU presidency.