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class="MsoNormal">The world turns its attention to London tonight for the official start of the Olympic Games.

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class="MsoNormal">Taoiseach Enda Kenny is travelling to the English capital later where he will meet with the Irish Olympians taking part in the games.

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class="MsoNormal">He will be joined by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar.

class="MsoNormal">Both are due to attend the opening ceremony.

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class="MsoNormal">The torch completes its 8,000-mile journey around Britain today and up to 1 billion people are expected to watch the opening ceremony live on TV tonight.

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class="MsoNormal">Big Ben chimed non-stop for 3 minutes this morning to signal the Olympics’ arrival.

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class="MsoNormal">Katie Taylor will lead out the 66-strong Ireland team into the Olympic stadium for the opening ceremony.

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class="MsoNormal">But before all that the 4-time World Boxing Champion will meet the Taoiseach and his Sports Minister at their training camp in Twickenham.

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class="MsoNormal">Enda Kenny said he wanted to meet the athletes in person to congratulate them on their journey so far and wish them the best of luck.

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class="MsoNormal">Afterwards he will meet US Presidential Mitt Romney before departing for Buckingham Palace for a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.

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class="MsoNormal">The Taoiseach will then join Minister Leo Varadkar for the opening ceremony of the games.