Ian Paisley and Bertie Ahern have shared a public handshake ahead of talks which the Taoiseach described as very businesslike and friendly.
Mr Paisley spoke of good and civilised relationships on the island and said it was important to engage with Northern Ireland's closest neighbour.
As he arrived, Mr Paisley acknowledged the significance of what he was about to do. 'I have to shake this man's hand,' he said. 'I'll give him a grip.' The handshake was vigorous and strong, with a slap on the back.
Mr Paisley's language after an hour and a half of talks was positive. Some said hedges made good neighbours - not between North and South, he commented. He did not believe there should be a hedge between what he called our two countries.
The DUP leader said he was delighted to accept an invitation from Mr Ahern to view works on the site of the Battle of the Boyne. He joked that he would not be re-fighting that conflict as no Ulsterman would give a rival home advantage.
'New spirit of friendship' - Ahern
The Taoiseach said that we have moved on now in a new spirit of friendship at a time when the future of the island had never been brighter.
Mr Ahern telephoned Mr Paisley last week to congratulate him after his joint news conference with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, when the historic agreement to re-establish power-sharing was announced.
But this was the Taoiseach's first face-to-face meeting with the DUP leader since the political talks at St Andrews in Scotland last year.
Mr Paisley had previously said he would not publicly shake hands with the Taoiseach until a political settlement in Northern Ireland had been reached.
