Sarkozy to spend just four hours in Ireland

More details are emerging about the planned visit to Ireland next week by controversial French President Nicholas Sarkozy.

The visit will last just four hours, during which Mr Sarkozy is expected to meet privately with supporters and opponents of the Lisbon Treaty.

He will arrive in Dublin at 1pm and be taken to Government Buildings for a lunch meeting with Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Following a short press conference, Mr Sarkozy will travel to the French Embassy, where he will meet representatives of all the main political parties, including Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald.

He is also expected to hold brief discussions with representatives from the IFA, the Irish Business Employers' Confederation, the National Youth Council and Libertas.