Archbishop Brady in historic meeting with DUP leader

The Archbishop of Armagh and Catholic Primate of All Ireland Dr Seán Brady met with the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Dr Ian Paisley, in a historic meeting in Belfast this morning.

The meeting comes ahead of talks this Wednesday in St Andrews, Scotland aimed at restoring devolution in the North.

It is understood the parties discussed a wide range of issues affecting Northern Ireland including poverty, education, and policing.

Speaking after the meeting Archbishop Brady said he was pleased to have the opportunity to meet Dr Paisley and described the encounter as "very helpful and constructive."

The primate said the parties discussed the benefits that "a stable and devolved administration" would bring to "all parts" of the communities in Northern Ireland.

This, he said, included "the need to develop support for the administration of justice and of law and order in every section of the community as a fundamental principle of democracy."

"I think that real peace will come only when we focus on the common good of all of our society and not just on sectional interest," he said.

In a statement released after this morning's meeting, Dr Paisley, who in the past has been a fierce critic of the Catholic Church also welcomed the opportunity for "a very good and useful exchange of views across a range of issues."

The North Antrim MP said: "It is in the interests of everyone to develop the foundations for stability and prosperity for all the people of Northern Ireland."

Dr Paisley added that the DUP looked forward "to further discussions with Archbishop Brady and his colleagues in the coming months."

He was accompanied by DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson, Nigel Dodds MP, Gregory Campbell MP, Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Fermanagh and South Tyrone Assembly member Arlene Foster.

Dr Brady's delegation included barrister Martin O'Brien, solicitor Anne Gibson, Bishop of Derry Dr Francis Lagan, secretary to the Northern Bishops Fr Timothy Bartlett and Deirdre O'Rawe, regional director of the Catholic Marriage Advisory Service.