Paisley accepts Ahern apology but impasse continues

It is still unclear whether the DUP will meet with Irish officials on Wednesday despite Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's apology to DUP leader Ian Paisley concerning photographic evidence of IRA decomissioning.

Yesterday, Dr Paisley said his party would be break off contact with the Irish Government after Mr Ahern said that he accepted that the issue of photographs for verifying decommissioning “was not workable” following a meeting with Sinn Fein on Monday.

However, on Monday evening Dr Paisley accepted a phone call from Mr Ahern who explained his phrasing saying it had been unfortunate and that he had been expounding the Sinn Fein position.

Although Mr Ahern was said to have offered a full apology, the DUP said it would wait to hear a planned statement by Mr Ahern in the Dail before finally deciding whether to join Wednesday's meeting.

The North Antrim MP, who is adamant that photographic evidence be a prerequisite before a deal can be struck, demanded an apology from Mr Ahern “if relations were to be renewed”. He accused the Irish government of trying to "double cross" his party following Monday's comments by Mr Ahern.

Deputy leader, Peter Robinson also condemned the remarks describing them as an "absolute outrage".

The current impasse is likely to be discussed between Dr Paisley and Prime Minister Tony Blair when both men meet at Downing Street on Tuesday.

Mr Blair and Mr Ahern will also discuss the situation at Thursday’s meeting of the European Council in Brussels.

(MB/SP)