McAleese and Paisley in War Museum meeting

President Mary McAleese tonight met First Minister the Rev Ian Paisley at a war museum in the North.

The pair were in Bangor, Co Down, for the opening of an exhibition on the 16th Irish Division which fought at the Somme during the First World War

Ms McAleese said the duo shared an interest in those who struggled and died on the battlefields.

“First Minister, I congratulate you and the Deputy First Minister and all your colleagues in the Executive for the tremendous start you have made on your journey of partnership towards a new society in Northern Ireland and a new mood of good neighbourliness across this island,” she said.

“There could be no better monument to the brave men of Guillemont and Ginchy.”

The Battles of Guillemont and Ginchy were part of the struggle of the Somme, fought over ninety years ago.

Mr Paisley has visited the Battle of the Boyne site in the Republic alongside Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Ms McAleese said there was a new spirit of hope on the island.

On Friday Mr Paisley said he was standing down from his position as Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church amid concern about his dual religious and political role.

He will be replaced in January.