Canadian PM Carney to begin two-day visit to Ireland

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney begins an official two day visit to Ireland this morning.

After touching down in Dublin Airport, Mr Carney will first meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin in what will be the first bilateral visit to Ireland by a Canadian Prime Minister in nearly a decade.

The meeting with the Taoiseach will be held at Government Buildings at which enhancing trade relations will be discussed before the two host a press conference.

Mr Carney's office said that during his time in Ireland, he will focus on deepening Canada and Ireland's longstanding cultural and people-to-people ties and expanding relationships across agri-food, digital innovation, AI, pharmaceuticals and climate.

Later, the Canadian leader will visit Trinity College, where he is expected to give a speech.

Mr Carney will also make a speech at an official dinner in Dublin Castle this evening.

Tomorrow, the Canadian prime minister goes to Mayo to visit the place his grandparents came from in Aghagower.

Mr Carney's grandparents left Aughagower near Westport more than 100 years ago for Canada.

In Westport, he will meet with President Catherine Connolly and later in the day, he will be the guest of honour at a civic reception in the town.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "It will be an excellent occasion to celebrate and strengthen the bilateral relationship between Ireland and Canada.

"With such strong Irish heritage, it will also be an opportunity for Prime Minister Carney to celebrate and explore his Irish heritage, and I know Mayo is looking forward to welcoming him home."