Cowen to meet new DUP leader during Belfast visit

Taoiseach-in-waiting Brian Cowan is due to meet his counterpart in the North during a visit to Belfast today.

Mr Cowen will be holding talks with Stormont Finance Minister Peter Robinson, who is expected to be chosen as the new DUP leader and First Minister today.

Mr Robinson will take over from current leader Ian Paisley at around the same time Mr Cowen takes over as Taoiseach from Bertie Ahern.

During his visit to Belfast today, the new Fianna Fail leader is expected to outline measures to help financial services firms based in Dublin to create jobs north of the border.