Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Government has been assessing the republican movement. I may be wrong but I think even since last October, people are facing up to moving towards the end position. That will come to fruition only when matters are completed. The issues in the Joint Declaration, such as equality, policing and so on are very difficult.

To answer Deputy Rabbitte's question, I think republican thinking is coming to terms with trying to deal with these issues. To give a balanced view on this, it is not easy for them when they are not engaged directly with the DUP in talks. It is difficult for the DUP because of the history of the situation, but I increasingly detect from both sides a willingness to try. It will not happen overnight or over the next few weeks, but there is a willingness to do this. That is the belief of Government. Some of my colleagues would perhaps try to force that more than I would. In the end, I believe these matters can only really be done by negotiation.

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