Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said he is "greatly honoured" at the invitation to address the joint houses of parliament at Westminster in London on May 15th, writes Miriam Donohoe, Political Staff
Mr Ahern, who is the first taoiseach to be afforded this honour, said last night the invitation symbolises the new levels of "friendship, mutual respect and understanding" between Ireland and Britain.
The invitation will be the third significant event during the general election campaign marking the advances in the Northern peace process and the changed relationship between Ireland and the UK.
On May 8th Mr Ahern and the British prime minister, Tony Blair, will attend the opening of the new Northern Ireland assembly while on May 11th he and DUP leader the Rev Ian Paisley will visit the Battle of the Boyne site in Co Meath.
Speculation increased yesterday that Mr Ahern will call the election between now and next Tuesday for a May 24th poll. Mr Ahern said the election would take place "shortly".
"The calling of it is just a technicality. People shouldn't be worrying about this. The election will be shortly. People can take that for certain. They shouldn't be getting themselves excited."
Meanwhile, the Quarryvale Two module of the Mahon tribunal investigating land rezoning in west Dublin is expected to go ahead as scheduled on Monday following the failure of the widow of the late TD Liam Lawlor, Mrs Hazel Lawlor, in her High Court action yesterday to prevent it from proceeding.
One of the main witnesses, Tom Gilmartin, is due to begin giving his evidence on Tuesday. The Taoiseach is listed on the tribunal website as among approximately 80 witnesses who are listed to be called to give evidence from May 22nd.