Merkel in Dublin to push for Yes vote in Lisbon poll

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to visit Dublin today to push for a Yes vote in the forthcoming referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

Ms Merkel is due to undertake a series of engagements during the day, including an address to the Forum on Europe and a meeting with the Taoiseach.

She will also be meeting Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, the vice-president of the EPP grouping in the European Parliament.

The Irish Farmers' Association say it will be delivering a letter of protest to Ms Merkel during her visit over the EU's stance at the current round of World Trade Organisation talks.