Taoiseach visits Finnish, Estonian capitals

The Taoiseach is in Helsinki to discuss Ireland's presidency of the EU Council next year with Finnish Prime Minister Anneli Jaatteenmaki.

Mr Ahern is holding meetings with EU leaders and leaders of accession countries to discuss Ireland's upcoming EU presidency and also the Convention of Europe.

Mr Ahern also visited the officers and crew of the LE Eithne, which is docked in Helsinki as part of a visit to the Baltic regions.

Later today, he will head to the Estonian capital, Tallinn, for a meeting with Prime Minister Juhan Parts. Estonia will join the EU on May 1st 2004 during Ireland's six-month presidency of the EU.

Mr Ahern returns to Ireland this evening.