Dr Martin McAleese, husband of the President, Mrs McAleese, has twice met loyalist representatives in Belfast in what are viewed as attempts to "mend fences" over the President's apparent comparison of Northern Protestants with Nazis.
On Monday at Stormont, Dr McAleese met a number of unionist politicians and loyalist representatives, including the UDA's so-called south Belfast brigadier, Mr Jackie McDonald.
Last week he met the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG), which provides political analysis for the UDA.
The President is expected to visit a nationalist area of her native north Belfast in the coming weeks, which prompted speculation she may also seek to visit a loyalist area during that trip.
The after-shocks of her radio comments last Thursday week, which in many quarters were interpreted as her attributing all sectarianism in the North solely to Protestants, are still being felt. While Mrs McAleese's apology was widely accepted, a number of unionists were only prepared to "forgive, but not to forget".
Dr McAleese on Monday attended a meeting of the Protestant Interface Network (PIN) chaired by Ulster Unionist MLA Sir Reg Empey, although he is not a member of the organisation.
Politicians from all parties, including the DUP, attended the meeting of PIN, which is linked to the UPRG and the UDA, and which works to prevent trouble at the Protestant-Catholic "peace lines".
The President's spokeswoman said Dr McAleese was "warmly received" at the PIN meeting and also at last week's UPRG meeting. She did not hear any reference at Monday's meeting to the President's remarks, although Mr Sammy Duddy, of the UPRG, said the matter was "quietly mentioned".
Mr Duddy said he had great admiration for Mrs McAleese and her husband, and that, as far as he was concerned, she would be welcome in Belfast. "We know the great work she has done. We know how she has gone out on a limb to reach out to people."
Sir Reg Empey said he was happy to speak to Dr McAleese while still harbouring concerns about the President's initial remarks.
"I have no doubt that President McAleese, after a bit of time and space, will continue with her work. The truth of the matter though is that a lot of people will now be more hesitant than they were in the past to have dealings with her."
