Ireland begins EU Presidency, Taoiseach in ceremony at Dublin Castle
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6.01 News: Charlie Bird, Chief News Correspondent, reports on the flag-raising ceremony at Dublin Castle today
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6.01 News: Seán Whelan, Europe Editor, reports on the agenda for the Irish presidency of the EU
As Ireland took over the EU's revolving six-month presidency, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the country's motivating force will be to build a consensus.
At a ceremony at Dublin Castle to formally mark the occasion, attended by members of the cabinet and the diplomatic corps, Mr Ahern said Ireland will be even-handed and open.
Ireland faces handling the aftermath of the collapse of talks on Europe's constitution.
The Taoiseach also said the EU will undergo a profound transformation during the Irish presidency, when 10 Mediterranean and Eastern European countries join in May.
Mr Ahern said a major event will be held in Dublin to mark the biggest expansion in the EU's history.
