Ahern begins trip to Slovenia

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today begins a three-day visit to Slovenia, Austria and Poland offering some relief from the controversy around his financial affairs.

Mr Ahern has been dogged by criticism from opposition parties for several weeks as the Mahon Tribunal in planning corruption continues to investigate his banking records.

Tánaiste and Finance Minister Brian Cowen will take Leaders’ questions in the Dáil over the next few days.

The Taoiseach’s trip will focus on European Union issues but will also deal with security and defence, notably the United Nations mandated EU mission in Chad.

Mr Ahern begins his trip with a meeting with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa. Talks will focus on the country’s priorities for its Presidency of the European Union, the forthcoming Spring European Council and the Reform Treaty.

In the Austrian capital Vienna tomorrow the Taoiseach will address the 56 member states of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the largest regional security body in the world.

Ireland was one of the original 35 participating states when it was founded in 1973.

The Taoiseach will also meet Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer for talks on EU issues, including the peace enforcement mission in Chad in which both Ireland and Austria are participating.

Mr Ahern will spend Thursday in Poland meeting Prime Minister Donald Tusk and discussions are expected to focus on strengthening business links.