06/05/2003

Blair arrives in Dublin for Ahern meeting

The British Prime Minister Tony Blair is to meet his Irish counterpart Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today as both Government's discuss ways in which to get the political process back on track after last weeks postponement of local elections.

The meeting, which is to take place at Pheonix Park in Dublin, is the first since Mr Blair decided to postpone the May 29 elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The decision was strongly criticised at the time by Mr Ahern who said it would cause more problems for the process than it solved. However he said that while he did not agree with, nor endorse the Prime Minister's move, the strength of partnership between the two governments would endure.

The meeting is also the first to take place since the Prime Minister unveiled the two government's joint declaration.

Both leaders are expected to decide which aspects of the declaration to implement despite no forthcoming elections.

(MB)

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