Outgoing Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is travelling to Berlin this morning to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel on his first official engagement since the general election.
Speaking ahead of his departure, Mr Ahern said he was looking forward to playing a leading role in the coming years in further developing Ireland's standing in the European Union and international community.
The main subject of the Taoiseach's meeting is the future of the European Constitution.