Northern Ireland’s prison chief faced demands for his resignation today over alleged abuse of loyalists held in a high security jail.

Loyalist paramilitary representatives tonight hailed their first meeting with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as historic and said many more may follow.

Loyalist paramilitary representatives were on their way to Dublin tonight for talks with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

The Taoiseach is to hold talks with a group linked to the loyalist paramilitary Ulster Defence Association in Dublin tomorrow.