Ahern and Blair visit schoolchildren in Ballymena

The Taoiseach and British Prime Minister are meeting children from schools across Ballymena today in advance of their political summit at Stormont.

The two leaders agreed to meet the children after the loyalist murder of schoolboy Michael McIlvine in May.

Meanwhile, President Mary McAleese is also in Belfast launching a new cross-community neighbourhood scheme in the south of the city.

The Finaghy Crossroads Group brings loyalists and republicans together in an attempt to quell sectarian tensions.