The French President has begun his short - but controversial - trip to Ireland.

Nicolas Sarkozy arrived at Government Buildings in the past hour, and is now meeting with the Taoiseach to discuss the fall out of Ireland's rejection of the Lisbon Treaty.

It was all smiles as the two posed briefly for photographs, before disappearing inside for a lunch meeting.

Nicholas Sarkozy was heckled by waiting protesters - one of whom was arrested for throwing eggs at his car.

Tensions are high here this afternoon, with all sides in the Lisbon campaign warning Sarkozy against putting pressure on Ireland to hold a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

After discussions with Brian Cowen, Nicolas Sarkozy will meet the Fine Gael and Labour leaders before travelling to the French Embassy for talks with other yes and no Lisbon campaigners.

The final act of his four hour visit will be a joint press conference with the Taoiseach later this afternoon.