Czech President to begin official visit to Ireland

The euro-sceptic President of the Czech Republic is due to begin a three-day visit to Ireland today.

Vaclav Klaus will hold talks with the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, and President Mary McAleese over the coming days.

He is also expected to use his trip to hold talks with Declan Ganley, the founder of the Libertas group that campaigned against the Lisbon Treaty.

Mr Klaus is a strong critic of the EU project, leaving him at odds with the pro-EU Czech government.

The Czech Republic takes over the rotating presidency of the EU in January.