Bill Clinton in talks with Taoiseach

Former US President Bill Clinton met with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern tonight before a private fundraising event in Dublin to support his wife’s bid for presidency.

Mr Clinton arrived at Government Buildings with a motorcycle police escort shortly after 5pm on a wet and windy evening, where he was greeted by Mr Ahern and waiting photographers.

Dressed in a grey suit and green tie, he was guarded by US Secret Service agents as he briefly posed with the Taoiseach before the pair retired for talks, which were expected to centre on the transformation in politics in the North.

Neither Mr Ahern nor Mr Clinton made any comment, but a Government spokesman said in advance that the Taoiseach would be briefing the former US leader on the North since the restoration of devolved government last May.

The men were also expected to discuss the progress made under the Ireland-Clinton Foundation HIV and Aids Partnership, and the work being done particularly in Mozambique and Lesotho.

Mr Clinton, who arrived in Ireland earlier today, was due to attend the private gala fundraising evening for his wife in Ballsbridge after the meeting.

More than 100 people are expected at the €1,500-a-head function, which will be held in the spacious Raglan Road home of Dublin lawyer and US citizen Brian Farren, a member of the bar of the US Supreme Court.

Only US citizens and Green Card holders are allowed to contribute to the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign fund, which has been organised by the Irish-Americans for Hillary group.

It has been reported that Mr Clinton is also due to meet for dinner with Derry poet Seamus Heaney in a Dublin hotel before the former leaves Ireland on Monday.

He is not due to appear at any public events during his short visit.