Taoiseach meets Bush and Blair for talks

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is meeting US President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Hillsborough Castle, …

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is meeting US President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Hillsborough Castle, Co Down for discussions on the peace process.

Mr Ahern arrived for the meeting at around midday and will have a working lunch with the two leaders beginning at 1 p.m. Afterwards, the three leaders will host round-table talks with representatives from the North's pro-Agreement parties.

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We want to see a new administration that will have greater legitimacy if it is under the ambit of the international community," he told reporters in Dublin yesterday
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The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern

The Taoiseach's discussions with Mr Bush and Mr Blair will also cover the situation in Iraq and the Middle East. Mr Ahern said he would tell Mr Bush the UN should have a primary role in the reconstruction of Iraq.

"We want to see a new administration that will have greater legitimacy if it is under the ambit of the international community," he told reporters in Dublin yesterday.

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"We also want to achieve the position that the UN will be at the heart of that."

Mr Ahern also said yesterday he would convey the views of the Irish people on the war.

Mr Bush's visit is intended to build support for an agreement on a blueprint for a return to devolved government in Northern Ireland.

Mr Bush leaves Northern Ireland at approximately 2.30 p.m. Mr Ahern will host a press conference at approximately 3 p.m.

Mr Blair and Mr Ahern will unveil their blueprint to rescue the peace process on Thursday.