SF issues challenge to Paisley

THE Reverend Ian Paisley was challenged by Sinn Féin yesterday to prove whether he was a man of his word.

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness threw down the gauntlet to the Democratic Unionist Party leader as he met Northern Secretary Peter Hain and Foreign Affairs minister Dermot Ahern for discussions which the DUP is boycotting.

Speaking outside Hillsborough Castle, Co Down, Mr McGuinness said he wanted Mr Paisley to show whether he would stand by his word and enter government with Sinn Féin now that the IRA had decommissioned its weapons.