Ahern to preside over last cabinet meeting today

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is due to preside over his last Cabinet meeting today before departing for the US to make his historic speech to the joint Houses of Congress.

Mr Ahern will be met by the Irish Ambassador when he arrives at Andrew's Air Force Base in Maryland this evening.

He will then spend the rest of the day putting the final touches to his speech, which he will deliver in Washington at 4pm Irish time tomorrow.

He is also expected to pay a visit to President George W Bush tomorrow at the White House.

Mr Ahern formally stands down as Taoiseach next week after 11 years in the job.