This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6524163.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Paisley and Ahern in Dublin talks Paisley and Irish PM in handshake
(about 5 hours later)
DUP leader Ian Paisley and Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern are meeting in Dublin later. The first public handshake between DUP leader Ian Paisley and Irish premier Bertie Ahern has taken place ahead of talks between the two in Dublin.
They are likely to discuss the recent political developments which include the Northern Ireland Assembly being restored on 8 May. They are likely to discuss political developments including the restoration of the NI Assembly on 8 May.
Meanwhile, Irish foreign minister Dermot Ahern has said the NI parties have "grasped the opportunity of a lifetime" by agreeing to share power. Mr Paisley, accompanied by son Ian Paisley Jr, said: "Good morning. I better shake hands with this man and give you a firm grip."
The DUP may also raise the issue of a financial package for the executive.
Meanwhile, Irish foreign minister Dermot Ahern has said the Northern Ireland parties have "grasped the opportunity of a lifetime" by agreeing to share power.
However, he said much work remained to be done.However, he said much work remained to be done.
Mr Paisley and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams announced at their first joint news conference last week that they agreed 8 May as the date to start power-sharing at Stormont.Mr Paisley and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams announced at their first joint news conference last week that they agreed 8 May as the date to start power-sharing at Stormont.
Dermot Ahern said last week's meeting "saw a shift in the political paradigm of Northern Ireland".Dermot Ahern said last week's meeting "saw a shift in the political paradigm of Northern Ireland".
"The parties grasped the opportunity of a lifetime and committed themselves to support and participate fully in a partnership government and in all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement."The parties grasped the opportunity of a lifetime and committed themselves to support and participate fully in a partnership government and in all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
"Restoration of the power-sharing institutions on 8 May, as now agreed by the parties, will mark major progress, but it will not be the end of the road.""Restoration of the power-sharing institutions on 8 May, as now agreed by the parties, will mark major progress, but it will not be the end of the road."
Mr Ahern said it would lead to the creation of a society where "questions of identity, culture and tradition are no longer identified with discord and division, but are seen through a prism of tolerance, generosity and mutual respect".Mr Ahern said it would lead to the creation of a society where "questions of identity, culture and tradition are no longer identified with discord and division, but are seen through a prism of tolerance, generosity and mutual respect".