John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

It would have been preferable if the sensitive document dealing with aspects of the Northern Ireland talks which appeared in this morning's newspapers had not become public. It would be wrong, however, to overestimate its contents, although it contained some hard truths. According to the newspapers, it was inadvertently left behind, which suggests a serious error on somebody's part.

I would not be one of those who are enthusiastic about the history of the republican movement, but the document does state progress has been made. It also states there are people who have not experienced war and that they might take a very different view if matters are not handled with due care and sensitivity. I hope that, in the context of the season, everyone will take a sanguine look at the contents of the document and not overreact to it.