Phoenix Park to close for 24 hours to facilitate visit of Chinese premier next week

News Snapshot:

THE PHOENIX PARK will be closed for a 24-hour period next week as part of security precautions around the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Premier Li is a close confidant of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who nominated him to the position last year. He will meet with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Wednesday 17 January at Farmleigh House, with the pair expected to discuss global issues, bilateral issues and EU-China relations. Varadkar yesterday said he is looking forward to meeting with Premier Li and that he is “Premier Li has decided to include Ireland in his itinerary.” Varadkar added: “Under...