Ahern and Paisley open Battle of Boyne site in Meath

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has presided over his last official function as Taoiseach before handing in his resignation this evening.

Mr Ahern and First Minister Ian Paisley officially opened the historic Battle of the Boyne site in Co Meath this morning.

The development of the site has been one of the outcomes of the peace process, which Mr Ahern regards as the main achievement of his political career.

Speaking at the site, he said today's event showed once again that "history need not divide us".

"In recent years, many of us from the nationalist tradition have come to a greater appreciation of the history, the traditions and identity of those of you from the unionist tradition with whom we share this island," he said.