The continuing potential for transforming relationships on the island of Ireland will be reflected upon by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the North's First Minister the Rev Ian Paisley when they visit the site of the Battle of the Boyne in Co Meath today.
Mr Ahern and DUP leader Dr Paisley will visit an exhibition related to the battle at Oldbridge House, which is the centre of a multimillion-euro restoration project by the Government. Work is expected to be completed next year, the Taoiseach's office said last night.
Dr Paisley and Mr Ahern are expected to make remarks on the significance of the project and on its potential to help the transformation of relations on the island of Ireland. They will also reflect on the hopes for the future following the historic events in Stormont last Tuesday. Dr Paisley will present the Taoiseach with a musket in reciprocation of his gift at the St Andrews talks of a walnut bowl carved from a centuries-old tree that stood on the site. They will then attend a reception of guests from the North and South, including politicians, representatives of the Orange Order and other loyal orders, local authorities and others associated with the project to develop the site.
The guest list is predominantly made up of representatives of the Protestant and unionist tradition. Tánaiste Michael McDowell and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern are expected to attend, along with a number of Ministers from the new Northern Executive.
