Paisley to meet Enda Kenny

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny is to hold historic talks with Democratic Unionist Party leader the Rev Ian Paisley in Belfast tomorrow.

Mr Kenny will head a four-member Fine Gael delegation which will also meet DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson at Stormont Buildings.

The Mayo TD will hold talks later with SDLP leader Mark Durkan.

Opposition Justice spokesman Jim O’Keeffe, Cavan/Monaghan TD Seymour Crawford and Seanad leader and Northern Ireland spokesman Brian Hayes will join the Fine Gael delegation.

“Mr Paisley requested to meet Fine Gael when he last visited Government Buildings on November 18, but it didn’t suit our diary,” a Fine Gael spokesman said.

“We then agreed to pay a visit to Belfast to meet up.”

Sources close to both parties suggested that Mr Paisley believes the North's power-sharing institutions will not be restored during the lifetime of the current Fianna Fáil Coalition.

“Mr Kenny could well be Taoiseach when it eventually happens, and this is why the relationship is being developed.” one source said.

Fine Gael said the talks with Mr Paisley will include a general discussion focusing on the on-the-runs legislation, proposed Dáil speaking rights for Northern MPs and other issues.

“It will be a get-to-know-you session while also concentrating on some of the current pressing North-South issues,” a party spokesman said.

Mr Paisley visited Dublin for political talks with the Government for the first time last autumn and made a return trip last month.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams leads a party delegation to meet the Taoiseach in Dublin later today.