Paisley visits tomb of the liberator

NOTHING could encapsulate the extent to which the erstwhile arch-villain of Northern Irish republican politics, Reverend Ian Paisley, has changed his tune than his visit to Dublin yesterday.

For a start, it was low-key. There was no protest or controversy. He visited the Dáil, took his seat in the visitors’ gallery and, when the antics of TDs got too much, he strolled across to the Seanad.

There was hearty applause. And a standing ovation from deputies Ruairí Quinn, Sean Power and Thomas Byrne.

Later he took a tour around the parliament he so often railed against. And he was taken to Government Buildings for a courtesy call.

In the Chamber, the biggest welcome of all came from Sinn Féin’s Dáil leader Caoimhghín O Caoláin. The Cavan-Monaghan deputy said there was so much fun among the TDs, embroiled in a blazing row about next week’s Dáil business, the reverend might reconsider the joys of a united Ireland.

“He might think, I missed such craic down there.” Dr Paisley laughed as hard as anybody.

And all political parties were keen to open their arms.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny joined those in welcoming Dr Paisley and his wife, Eileen, by reminiscing at how he could never compete with his bellowing voice.

However, other than a brief mention from Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore, there was little to suggest this historic visit of the former DUP leader was anything other than routine.

The only obvious sign something special was happening was the fact former taoiseach Bertie Ahern turned up for work. Since his resignation Mr Ahern has been a very rare visitor to Leinster House, sparing his cameos for big budget days and vital votes.

But, while Dr Paisley watched before the daily Oireachtas prayer was read out, plonked alongside him was the grinning deputy from Dublin Central.

There were other visitors too. Senator Cecilia Keaveney broke away from the Ivor Callely-bashing session in the Upper Chamber to come in and shake the retired reverend’s hand.

Like a phoenix from the sack cloth and ashes, Dr Paisley’s crossing of the threshold was another barrier broken, even greater because few noticed.

Mr Ahern and a beaming Mr Paisley later toured Glasnevin Cemetery, home to many of Ireland’s patriots, and presumably Mr Paisley’s erstwhile bêtes noires, visiting among others the crypt of The Liberator, Daniel O’Connell.