Lord mayors in historic meeting

It is the first meeting of the three lord mayors since 1955

The three lord mayors on the island of Ireland are to meet today for the first time in more than 50 years.

Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers and the Lord Mayor of Cork, Donal Counihan, are travelling to Dublin to meet their counterpart, Paddy Bourke.

It will be the first time since 1955 the cities' three lord mayors have met.

"Because of the Troubles it would not have been the politically correct thing to do, but things have changed now," said Mr Rodgers.

"I said to them that I thought it would be of political benefit to all of us if we got together for the first time since 1955.

"I am looking forward to it. It is important that we have good relationships between the first citizens on the island."

The two-day engagement will also include a joint courtesy call on Irish President Mary McAleese and a visit to a housing regeneration project in Dublin.

Mr Rodgers will also call on the Bulgarian Ambassador to Ireland, Emil Yalnazov, whom he met recently at Windsor Park during an international football match between Northern Ireland and Bulgaria.