Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I was also lucky enough to attend the meeting of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body in Killarney as an observer. Like other Members, I welcome the developments which took place at the meeting. We should not underestimate the political fortitude of the members of the DUP who attended the meeting and the measured way in which they put their case. The fact that they wanted, and were willing, to share power in government gave me some hope. They wanted, and were prepared to be convinced. The IMC report is extremely important but a second clear report would be crucial.

For the next month at least, we should concentrate on getting the parties in the North into double harness. We should be careful not to introduce extraneous demands which might frighten the horses. I ask the Leader to offer our best wishes to the Taoiseach in the negotiations he is about to undertake with the parties in the North. I would also remind him that while everyone recognises that the main protagonists are clearly the DUP and Sinn Féin, it is important to also recognise the part played by other parties.