Democratic unionist leader Ian Paisley has met with the prime minister to discuss his party's proposals for restoring devolution to Northern Ireland.

Tony Blair was given a presentation, setting out the ideas for "a fairer deal" for Ulster.

Speaking after the meeting, Paisley described it as "very profitable". "We have had our meeting with the Prime Minister, I think it was a very profitable meeting,'' he said.

"Talks as far as we're concerned started today. The prime minister will of course give his comments on the proposals we are making.

"It's not for me to suggest what he is going to say."

Suggestions are thought to include devolving power to the Stormont assembly as a whole, rather than to individual ministers, while the DUP's assertion that Sinn Fein cannot be involved in the power-sharing agreement while the IRA is still in existance is repeated.

However, full details of the plans will be unveiled at a press conference ahead of the DUP's meeting with Northern Ireland secretary Paul Murphy on Monday.

"We will come back again in due course to meet the Prime Minister," Paisley added. "As far as I'm personally concerned I think it was a very good start to the talks."

Downing Street said the prime minister would consider the 24-page report.

"The important thing is that people are approaching the review in a positive way," said a spokesman. "Obviously they have put their proposals and we will reflect on them."