The prime minister of the Irish Republic, Bertie Ahern, says he wants his British counterpart, Tony Blair, to be the first British prime minister to address the parliament in Dublin.

The invitation to speak later this year follows referendum votes in both parts of Ireland approving the peace agreement for Northern Ireland.

Mr Ahern's statement came as Mr Blair was visiting Dublin on a tour of European capitals to prepare for the EU summit at Cardiff in two weeks' time June 15.

Mr Blair had earlier held talks with the Spanish prime minister in Madrid.