At yesterday's meeting of the Conference, at which I was accompanied by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Michael McDowell, we reviewed recent political developments with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr. John Reid, and Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, Ms Jane Kennedy. Both Governments again reiterated our commitment to the Agreement as the only viable future for the people of Northern Ireland and emphasised our determined wish to see devolved Government restored as soon as possible and, in any event, in advance of the scheduled elections.