The Democratic Unionist Party is to lift its ban on official contacts with the Irish government.

As part of the Anglo-Irish bid to kick-start the Ulster peace process, it has been revealed that the DUP's leader, Reverend Ian Paisley, is set to have an historic meeting with the Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern.

Though final details have yet to be arranged, the meeting is likely to take place next week at the Irish Embassy in London.