Taoiseach Meets Paisley In Dublin

Both To Visit Boyne Battle Site

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, T.D., and Democratic Unionist Party Leader Ian Paisley are to visit the site of the Battle of the Boyne in the "near future".

The announcement of the joint visit was made after a historic meeting between the two men in Dublin last Wednesday at which they exchanged a public handshake for the first time.

Speaking about the proposed visit, Dr. Paisley said it would show "how far we have come when we can celebrate and learn from the past, and expressed his wish that "old suspicions and discord can be buried forever."

"We both look forward to visiting the battle site at the Boyne, but not to re-fight it. I don't want Mr Ahern to have home advantage," he joked.

"As the leader of the unionist people, with Northern Ireland's place in the union secured, I believe it is important to engage with our closest neighbour from a position of mutual respect and with assured confidence."

"Today, we can confidently state that we are making progress to ensure that our two countries can develop and grow side by side in a spirit of generous co-operation.

"Old barriers and threats have been, and are being, removed daily."

The Taoiseach emphasised that his government stood "ready to work with the new executive.

"We look forward to our cooperation in the north south, and the east-west institutions and in all those areas where we can work together for mutual benefit."

Emphasising the positive developments since the recent elections for the Northern Assembly, Mr. Ahern said, "At this important time in our history, we must do our best to put behind us the terrible wounds of our past and work together to build a new relationship between our two traditions.

"That new relationship can only be built on a basis of open dialogue and mutual respect. 

"I fervently believe that we move on from here in a new spirit of friendship. The future for this island has never been brighter. I believe that this is a future of peace, reconciliation and rising prosperity for all."

Earlier in the day Mr. Paisley, accompanied by his son Ian Paisley Jr., shook hands with the Taoiseach at Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park