Paisley to host Antrim talks with Ahern

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to hold talks with Northern Ireland First Minister Rev Ian Paisley in his Ballymena constituency tomorrow…

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to hold talks with Northern Ireland First Minister Rev Ian Paisley in his Ballymena constituency tomorrow.

"In Ballymena Mr Ahern and Mr Paisley are expected to discuss political and economic developments in Northern Ireland and increasing cross-Border co-operation with the Republic," the Taoiseach's spokesman said.

The two leaders will meet again next week at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce AGM where Mr Paisley has been invited to be a guest speaker.

The engagement is the latest visit to the Republic by the DUP leader since the Assembly was restored in Stormont last May.

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The Taoiseach invited Mr Paisley to the historic Battle of the Boyne battle site in Co Louth in July where the DUP leader presented a 17th-century musket to Mr Ahern .

The Taoiseach had previously given a 50th wedding anniversary present to Mr Paisley and his wife Eileen of a walnut bowl, crafted from a centuries-old tree taken from the battle site.

Last October Rev Paisley addressed the Trinity College Historical Society in Dublin and also attended a Chartered Institute of Arbitrators event in the Royal College of Physicians in the city in November.