The most important political talks in the recent history of Northern Ireland, scheduled to begin today at Leeds Castle in Kent, may be hindered by the uncertain health of the 78-year-old Ian Paisley.

Paisley, leader of hardline Democratic Unionist party, travels to the talks by car and ferry after doctors banned him from taking a plane following a week of hospital tests in the summer.

The talks will be hosted by Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern.