Dr Paisley's statement in Dublin today
We have come here today as the voice of Unionism to meet with Mr Ahern at a time of growing confidence in the Ulster unionist community. We welcome this opportunity to meet the Irish Prime Minister and during our meeting we had a useful exchange of views regarding the problems at the present time. Following on from the Leeds Castle talks we pledged that we would continue discussions on the political institutions and the necessity to bring about changes to them.
If we are to have a proper and ongoing basis for mutual co-operation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, then it is essential that any relationship is accountable to the people of Northern Ireland through their elected representatives.
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 neighbour that is practically based rather than politically motivated. No one has anything to fear from such an accountable North-South relationship of equal partnerships.
In addition to the North-South aspect of our meeting we have been restating our view that as far as the DUP is concerned, the IRA must relinquish their guns and be out of business for good, as well as all other paramilitaries. There is no evidence to suggest that there is any IRA offer on the table at the present time and we have indicated to Mr Ahern that more work will be needed in this area.
There can be no toleration of terror in any form. The DUP is in the business of delivering a better way forward for the people of Northern Ireland and we will continue to pursue the principles endorsed by the unionist community.