The DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, has asked for a meeting with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to discuss attacks on Free Presbyterian Church buildings in the Republic. It would be the first time that Dr Paisley held formal talks with a Taoiseach. A spokesman for Mr Ahern said last night the Taoiseach would be delighted to meet Dr Paisley to discuss the matter, although he had yet to receive the request.
However, he insists the discussion will focus solely on the attacks and that politics will not be mentioned.
Around £100,000 worth of damage was caused to Corrygarry Free Presbyterian Church in Monaghan. Windows have been broken in a former Orange Hall in Castleblayney which the church bought and plans to refurbish.
Mr Ian Paisley jnr said: "My father has requested the meeting with Bertie Ahern in his capacity as Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church, not as DUP leader.
"There have been attacks on our church property in the Irish Republic, and that is what will be discussed. We believe the authorities there are not extending civil and religious liberties to Free Presbyterians.
"The Garda have said that the attack on Corrygarry church was carried out by drunken vandals and there was no religious motivation. We do not accept that. It makes no sense. The attacks are part of an orchestrated campaign against the Free Presbyterian Church," he said.
Mr Paisley jnr stressed that the talks would be "purely religious". He added: "Politics will not be discussed and the venue will reflect that. There is no way my father will be holding any meeting with Bertie Ahern on the fringes of Castle Buildings."