Aras an Uachtaran rejects DUP accusations of avoiding protocol

Aras an Uachtaran this afternoon rejected accusations that the President doesn't observe protocol during visits to the North.

The DUP has accused Mrs McAleese of showing a deep hatred for the North by casting aside protocols when she feels like it.

Party leader Dr Ian Paisley has taken particular exception to the manner of Mrs. McAleese's change of police escort from Garda to PSNI.

Mr Paisley said she demonstrated her deep hatred for Northern Ireland by accepting police protection but refusing to enter a police station to get it.

A spokesperson for the President said protocols were always observed and that the Aras never commented on security issues surrounding the President.