Washington/Dublin - Ireland's outgoing Prime Minister Bertie Ahern is to address a joint meeting of the US House of Congress later Wednesday, becoming the sixth political leader and the first from the governing Fianna Fail party to do so.

Ahern is due to meet US President George W Bush privately afterwards.

His address comes at the invitation of house speaker Nancy Pelosi in recognition of his endeavours in the Northern Ireland peace process.

Prior to his arrival, Pelosi had lauded him as a "tremendously innovative leader."

Ahern attended his final cabinet meeting as prime minister on Tuesday.

He is due to step down from his position on Tuesday and from the leadership of the Fianna Fail party amid accusations about his personal finances.

Several of his close friends and associates have accompanied him to Washington. (dpa)