Paisley wants to build North-South relationship
The Rev Ian Paisley said he wished to build up a relationship between North and South tonight and pledged to continue working towards a political breakthrough.
After an historic two-hour meeting with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin, DUP leader Mr Paisley said he was prepared to continue discussions and was determined to bring about change.
“We are working towards a settlement for all the people of Northern Ireland and in so doing we wish to build a relationship with our neighbours that is practically based rather than politically motivated,” he said.
“No one has anything to fear from such an accountable North/South relationship of equal partnerships.”
Mr Paisley, flanked by his deputy Peter Robinson, insisted that the IRA must relinquish its guns and be out of business for good before any deal could be done.
It was the first time the hardline unionist leader has crossed the border to hold political talks.
The meeting was heralded as an important breakthrough, Mr Paisley's Democratic Unionists being the last of the Northern parties to travel to Dublin for talks.
Mr Ahern said a new relationship had been opened between the Irish Government and the DUP and that there had been some positive developments.
He said the meeting had been “comprehensive and constructive” and the atmosphere friendly.
Mr Paisley also described the talks as useful although admitting he had agreed to differ with the Taoiseach on many issues.
He said following recent discussions at Leeds Castle in Kent the DUP had pledged to continue discussions on the political institutions and the necessity to bring about change.
“We have come here today as a voice of unionism to meet with Mr Ahern at a time of growing confidence in the Ulster unionist community,” he said.
“During our meeting we had a useful exchange of views regarding the problems at the present time.
“If we are to have a proper and ongoing basis for mutual cooperation and change in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland it is essential that any relationship is accountable to the people of Northern Ireland through their elected representatives.”
The elderly North Antrim MP said there was no evidence to suggest there was any IRA offer on the table and that he had told Mr Ahern more work was needed in this area.
“There can be no toleration of terror any more,” he added.
Mr Ahern, who was joined by newly-appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern, said he appreciated Mr Paisley’s decision to make the unprecedented trip to Dublin.
“Our meeting both in terms of presentation and substance is an important confidence building step,” he said.
“I firmly believe we all have a real opportunity to break free from the past and create a new situation in Northern Ireland where everyone is at ease.”
He said it was a big challenge and a big agenda but that in this context the meeting with the DUP had been very timely and very welcome.
Both prime minister Tony Blair and Mr Ahern were confident there had been a breakthrough during the talks at Leeds Castle.
But the DUP has since clashed bitterly with the SDLP and Sinn Féin over proposals to alter the Good Friday Agreement.
Nationalists and Unionists are now deadlocked over issues of ministerial accountability, cross-border arrangements and the election of the Deputy and First Ministers.
The DUP have repeatedly claimed they are ready to strike a deal but will only do so when they are convinced the IRA no longer exists.
Mr Paisley has always refused to travel south for political talks but as he arrived at Government Buildings he was asked whether he was pleased to be in Dublin.
The frail party leader paused on the steps, turned around very slowly and said: “Where Ulster issues are being discussed you can’t do without Ian Paisley.”
Asked whether he had a good relationship with Mr Ahern, he smiled: “You had better ask him.”
Discussions between all parties are now set to continue in a continuing bid to break the deadlock.
A Sinn Féin delegation will meet Mr Ahern in Dublin on Monday.
