Democratic Unionist Party leader the Rev Ian Paisley emerged from historic talks with the Taoiseach in Dublin this evening demanding more action on the issue of IRA disbandment.
Dr Paisley was joined by his deputy, Mr Peter Robinson, while Mr Ahern was joined by the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, for the two-hour meeting this afternoon.
It is the first time Dr Paisley has travelled to Dublin for political talks.
Speaking outside Government Buildings, Dr Paisley said that during the meeting he and the Taoiseach "had a useful exchange of views regarding the problems at the present time."
Reading from a prepared statement he added: "Following on from the Leeds Castle talks we pledged that we would continue discussions on the political institutions and the necessity to bring about changs to them."
On one of the main obstacles to a peace deal - ministerial accountability - Dr Paisley said: "If we are to have a proper and ongoing basis, mutual co-operation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland then it is essential that any relationship is accountable to the people of Northern Ireland through their elected representatives.
"Nobody has anything to fear from such an accountable North-South relationship of equal partnerships," he added.
Dr Paisley restating the DUP's view "the IRA must relinquish their guns and be out of business for good, as well as all other paramilitaries.
"There is no evidence to sugget that there is any IRA offer on the table at the present time and we have indicated to Mr Ahern that more work will be needed in this area. There will be no toleration of terror in any form."
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Taoiseach said a "new relationship" had beeen opened between the Government and the DUP.
"It is a relationship that I greatly value and wish to deepen. I firmly believe that we all have a real opportunity to break free from the past and create a new situation in Northern Ireland where everyone is at ease.
"There are difficult issues to do with the operation of the Good Friday Agreement which must be resolved in a reasonable way. And we have to ensure a permanent end to IRA paramilitarism and the decommissioning of its weapons.
