Suu Kyi arrives in Ireland
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has touched down in Dublin for a six-hour flying visit to Dublin.
Slightly behind schedule, the former political prisoner arrived on a flight from Norway, where she had collected her Nobel Peace Prize 21 years after it was awarded.
Ms Suu Kyi, who turns 67 tomorrow, was met by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore.
Three children - Sophia Kelly, Saw Tun and Laila Bgum - also presented her with flowers before she left to visit Irish President Michael D Higgins at his residence, Áras an Uachtaráin.
Rock star Bono and Bob Geldof will later join other famous human rights campaigners in a special tribute concert to honour Ms Suu Kyi, who will be presented with Amnesty International's prestigious Ambassador of Conscience award by the U2 frontman.
They will then give a public address to thousands of supporters outside the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, where she will also officially receive the freedom of Dublin city - 12 years after she was granted the accolade.
Ms Suu Kyi will later depart for a four-day visit to Britain, where she lived, studied and married before returning and launching her long campaign in Burma.
The Tánaiste praised Ms Suu Kyi and pledged Irish support to her future efforts in Burma.
He said her election to parliament alongside the military-backed government heralds a new era of peace, democracy and human rights.
"I am honoured on behalf of the Government to give a warm cead míle fáilte to Aung San Suu Kyi on the occasion of her historic visit to Ireland this afternoon," Mr Gilmore went on.
"Ms Suu Kyi is enormously admired in this country and her visit here is something which we have long hoped to see."
