Breaches of confidentiality in the Stormont talks have been condemned by the SDLP deputy leader, Mr Seamus Mallon. "We have respected the confidentiality of the talks process at all times - even when misleading facts and interpretations were being leaked by others who chose to break confidentiality.
"Over the past two weeks," he said, "the SDLP sought to build an understanding with the UUP and the other parties about the key issues to be agreed. Last Monday week we reached an understanding with the UUP on a formula which we both hoped might achieve consensus within the talks."
Responding to a comment in yesterday's Irish Times that the SDLP should have ensured the backing of the administration in Dublin for the joint formula, Mr Mallon said the Irish and British Government delegations had been consulted and had given no reason to believe that they would not accept it.
"The meeting then reconvened and it quickly became clear that consensus would not be reached on the basis of this paper."
During discussions on Tuesday the SDLP and UUP agreed a further amendment to be proposed by the UUP. In a subsequent discussion, this also failed to achieve consensus.
Mr Mallon added: "Those who have chosen to distort or misrepresent this serious attempt to reach agreement have damaged the trust which is needed if these talks are to succeed. We hope that damage can be repaired when we return on January 12th."