Tony's near-abroad

Tony Blair, whether wittingly or not, interfering in domestic politics of the Republic of Ireland --

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has been invited to address the joint Houses of Parliament at Westminster on 15 May.

Mr Ahern will be expected to reflect on the Northern Ireland peace process and the changed relationship between Ireland and the UK.

A date that will likely be right in the middle of an election campaign. On the other hand, given Bertie's attention to handshake politics, it may well be that the date was chosen so as not to keep Bertie away from an actual campaign, in which case it provides a further hint about Bertie's timing leaning towards June. But it doesn't change the fact that he's been giving a massive platform and PR stunt while seeking re-election.

UPDATE: Here's the Downing Street statement:

27 April 2007

Tony Blair has invited Irish Taoiseach [is there any other kind?] Bertie Ahern to address Members of both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday May 15 to mark the restoration of devolution to Northern Ireland.

Mr Speaker and the Lord Speaker have agreed to host the event in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster.

The date of May 8 for the restoration of devolved Government to the Province was confirmed after a historic meeting between the leaders of the DUP and Sinn Fein last month.

One other bit of intrigue: will Tony have announced his own date by then?

UPDATE: It's 9 days before the Irish election.