Merkel and more arrive in Dublin for EPP congress
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is among the European leaders arriving in Dublin today, as the EU's largest political party meets for its annual congress.
The European People's Party is gathering at the Convention Centre over the next two days to choose their candidate for the next European Commission President.
Enda Kenny has ruled himself out of the running, after the deadline for submissions passed yesterday.
It is also unlikely the Taoiseach will have an opportunity to discuss Ireland's debt burden with Chancellor Merkel.
"Frankly, I don't think there's going to be much discussion," said Gabriele Steinhauser, the Wall Street Journal's Brussels reporter.
"Maybe Kenny will take her to the side and say, 'hey, this is still an issue for us', but I don't think this will be a major matter for discussion."
An anti-austerity, anti-war and anti-oppression protest march will take place in Dublin this evening to coincide with the EPP assembly.
