Battle of the Boyne - Pope and King Billy on same side

The meeting yesterday between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and First Minister Ian Paisley at the site of the Battle of the Boyne was of deep historical and symbolic significance.

The events of 1690 have long lost any import as a living concern in this part of the island, but it has been a live issue in the North ever since. The most important ramifications will therefore be felt north of the Border.

Although the Battle of the Boyne is frequently viewed as a defining battle in Irish history, it has taken on a localised sectarian context.