The prospect of a face-to-face encounter between the Rev Ian Paisley and Archbishop Seán Brady has opened up after DUP MP Gregory Campbell contacted the Catholic primate to open up an "exchange of views" between the Catholic Church and the party.
East Derry MP Mr Campbell took his initiative in response to a speech last month in Milan by Archbishop Brady where he said Catholics needed assurances that unionists were prepared to share political power with them.
"It is true to say that following the recent Westminster elections, many Catholics now anxiously await signs that both their religious convictions and their political aspirations, in as much as these may differ from that of the unionist tradition, will be treated with respect and parity of esteem," said Archbishop Brady.
This prompted Mr Campbell to write to Archbishop Brady at the weekend to begin an "exchange of views" between the archbishop and the DUP.
Mr Campbell said the DUP was prepared to give assurances that his party would share power with Catholics, although not with Sinn Féin. Equally, he added, unionists required assurances from Catholics that they would be treated with respect and parity of esteem.
Mr Campbell said that nowhere in his letter did he say Dr Paisley wished to meet Archbishop Brady. But he added that if a meeting was organised, the DUP would "not shy away" from meeting the archbishop. He was also sure that Dr Paisley, as DUP leader, would have no difficulty attending such a meeting.
