No return to 'bad old days', says Paisley

People on both sides of the border must drive forward together on the basis of a firm dedication to peace, Stormont First Minister Ian Paisley said today.

As he took part in the opening of a visitors' centre on the site of the Battle of the Boyne, the outgoing Democratic Unionist leader presented Taoiseach Bertie Ahern with a King James Bible as he prepared to leave office in Dublin later today.

Mr Paisley said there could be no turning back to the dark days of violent dispute on the island of Ireland.

"To the bad old days, there can be no turning back," the North Antrim MP said.

"The killing times must be ended forever and no tolerance must be given to any who advocate their return.

"A strong dedication to peace and an intolerance of murder must drive us forward.

"This must be the end of all atrocities and the building of the way to peace."