Statement by Ian Paisley, then leader of the DUP, after meeting with Bertie Ahern, then Taoiseach, in Dublin, 30 September 2004

Statement by Ian Paisley, then leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), after meeting with Bertie Ahern, then Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister), in Dublin, 30 September 2004

"We have come here today as the voice of Unionism to meet with Mr Ahern at a time of growing confidence in the Unionist community. We welcome the opportunity to meet with the Irish Prime Minister and during our meeting we had a useful exchange of views regarding the problems at the present time.

Following on from the Leeds Castle talks, we pledged that we would continue discussions on the political institutions and the necessity to bring about changes to them. If we are to have a proper and ongoing basis for mutual co-operation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland then it is essential that any relationship is accountable to the people of Northern Ireland through their elected representatives.

We are working towards a settlement for all the people of Northern Ireland and in so doing we wish to build a relationship with our neighbour that is practically based rather than politically motivated. No-one has anything to fear from an accountable North-South relationship.

In addition to the North-South aspect of our meeting, we have again restated our view that as far as the DUP is concerned the IRA must relinquish its guns and be out of business for good. We have not seen any IRA offer and we have indicated to Mr Ahern that more work will be needed in this area. There can be no toleration of terror in any form.

The DUP is in the business of delivering a better way forward for the people of Northern Ireland and we will continue to pursue the principles endorsed by the unionist community."