Talks with Paisley were 'robust': Ahern
The Minister for Foreign Affairs this afternoon admitted he had been forced to bite his lip during what he said were "robust" exchanges with DUP leader Ian Paisley over his criticism of President McAleese.
Dermot Ahern said that, on behalf of the Irish people, he had protested at Dr Paisley calling the President dishonest.
Speaking at his party's annual conference, Dr Paisley had accused Mrs McAleese of claiming she pretended to like the North when she actually hated it.
The Northern Secretary Peter Hain said he held the President in high regard and it was clear when she had met Queen Elizabeth at Hillsborough that the Queen also held Mrs McAleese in high regard.
Dr Paisley has refused to apologise for his remarks.
