Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste knows that participating in the talks is different from having regular consultation and being involved as a participant around the table with all of the other parties. On the several occasions when substantial progress was made, for which I commend everyone involved, it was driven by two sovereign Governments working with the relevant parties. The Tánaiste used nuance in replying on the issues of participation and consultation. Is he confident Dr. Haass and Ms O'Sullivan will be able to bring the talks to a conclusion by the middle or end of December? Some of the Belfast newspapers referred to the Secretary of State convening meetings with the smaller political parties in Northern Ireland from mid-January. It is essential not to have a quick fix but to get a proper fix on these important and contentious issues.

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