Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I would love matters to be perfect, and Deputy Rabbitte's analysis is fair enough in that it is not all perfect. There are a number of major difficulties. The biggest one is that the DUP has taken the view it will not have face to face talks with Sinn Féin in the first place. If such talks did take place, it could resolve a lot very quickly, but it will not happen in the circumstances we desire. The next initiative is to move the Programme for Government Committee, which is useful. It is not perfect, and that is not normally what happens. Members on all sides of the House will appreciate the situation. Imagine a post-election scenario where it was decided there was going to be a coalition of whatever make-up and the two parties at the centre of it decided not to talk to each other. It would be unbelievable, but that is how matters stand.

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