Taoiseach in Rome to meet Monti ahead of papal audience

Mario Monti will greet the Taoiseach after meeting with another bailed-out premier, Greek leader Antonis Samaras.

THE TAOISEACH Enda Kenny is in Rome today to hold discussions with Italian prime minister Mario Monti, a day ahead of an audience with the Pope.

The meeting comes in advance of a two-day meeting of international Christian Democrat parties in the Italian capital this afternoon, at which the world’s economic troubles are likely to be a key topic for discussion.

The perilous state of the European economy – and the need for larger countries like Italy to return to a sound financial footing if Ireland is to return to full economic growth – is likely to be discussed by Kenny and Monti ahead of the summit.

The summit will also be attended by Spanish premier Mariano Rajoy, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban, and Greece’s Antonis Samaras.

Tomorrow the centre-right leaders will attend an audience with the Pope, Benedict XVI.

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