On a visit to Northern Ireland today Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is expected to again advance the Government's argument that North-South economic co-operation can, without any hidden constitutional agenda, benefit the entire island.
Mr Ahern is travelling to Newtownards, Co Down, and to Belfast for a number of engagements. This includes a symbolic visit to the Somme Heritage Centre in Newtownards as Northern Ireland prepares for its annual November war remembrance commemorations.
The main event will be his speech to the Institute of Directors this afternoon where, following on a similar speech by the Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, in Co Antrim last week, Mr Ahern will flag the benefits of economic co-operation.
The Taoiseach is expected to tell the institute that such economic collaboration can help Northern Ireland also experience some of the advantages of the Celtic Tiger. Mr Ahern is also likely to refer to recent IRA decommissioning, the Independent Monitoring Commission report stating the IRA was largely observing its commitment to end activity, and the potential for political progress next spring.
This will be the latest in a series of visits by Government Ministers to Northern Ireland.
