Taoiseach looks forward to US Congress speech

Outgoing Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said he is looking forward to addressing the Joint Houses of Congress in Washington.

Ahern will travel to the US next week, and will make the historic speech on Wednesday.

It will be one of his final engagements before he steps down as Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil on May 6.

Speaking at the Punchestown Festival in Co Kildare, Mr Ahern acknowledged that very few people are given such an opportunity.