Ahern to hold talks with Paisley in Ballymena

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to hold political talks with Ian Paisley in his Ballymena constituency tomorrow.

The visit to the DUP leader’s heartland is a further sign of the close relationship between the two politicians since the famous handshake in Dublin’s Farmleigh House only 10 months ago.

“In Ballymena Mr Ahern and Mr Paisley are expected to discuss political and economic developments in Northern Ireland and increasing cross-border co-operation with the Republic,” the Taoiseach’s spokesman said.

The two leaders will meet again next week at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce AGM where Mr Paisley has been invited as guest speaker.

The Chamber of Commerce engagement is the latest visit to the Republic by the DUP leader since the Assembly was restored in Stormont last May.

The Taoiseach invited Mr Paisley to the historic Battle of the Boyne battle site in Co Louth in July where the DUP leader presented a 17th Century musket to Mr Ahern.

The Taoiseach had previously given a 50th wedding anniversary present to Mr Paisley and his wife Eileen of a walnut bowl, crafted from a centuries-old tree taken from the battle site.

Last October Rev Paisley addressed the Trinity College Historical Society in Dublin and also attended a Chartered Institute of Arbitrators event in the Royal College of Physicians in the city in November.

Earlier this month, Stormont Culture Minister Edwin Poots became the first DUP politician to attended a GAA game when he was a guest of the Ulster Council at the McKenna Cup semi final between Down and Donegal at Pairc Esler in Newry.

DUP ministers may also be invited to GAA games at Croke Park in Dublin this summer.