Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Does the Taoiseach share my view that the triggering of an Assembly election in the short term could be divisive and could produce an unworkable result? Does the proposal put forward by the two Governments differ in many respects from the points of discussion between the DUP and Sinn Féin? Are there significant differences between the proposals that were to be published by the Governments after the 48 hour deadline but that were not published in the event that negotiations might succeed? Have officials from the Government pointed out to both parties what those differences are and how they might benefit the process?

One significant difference between these discussions and those that have taken place over the past 15 years is the lack of a physical presence of the American Government. The Taoiseach has stated the special envoy is involved and that Secretary of State Clinton has said she is prepared to offer assistance. Does that offer go as far as saying that if she is called upon by the Governments to get this across the line, she is willing to travel to Belfast to assist the Governments and parties to bring this to a final conclusion?

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