The outcome of Monday's crucial Hillsborough talks cannot be a repeat of the "greatest hits of the past," the SDLP leader Mark Durkan has said.
Speaking following a meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen in Dublin this afternoon, the former Deputy First Minister claimed that ordinary citizens were blaming political parties for the current situation at Stormont.
"We need to deliver an outcome that is not the greatest hits of the past, because they appear to the public as the greatest misses," he stated.
When asked whether he saw a deal emerging from Monday's talks, Mr Durkan said that he "couldn't offer people a basis for confidence" regarding any potential outcome.
"We must be realistic," he warned. "I want to be as confident as anyone else, but we need to offer the fullness of the (Good Friday) Agreement."
The central issue, he said, was whether "the parties have the capacity to address the issues."
Mr Durkan brought an SDLP delegation, including party deputy leader Mrs Bríd Rodgers, Mr Alex Attwood and Mr Sean Farren, to the meeting with Mr Cowen.
Following the meeting, the group went to Leinster House for talks with the Taoiseach Mr Ahern.
Earlier today, Mr Durkan met Sinn Féin party president Mr Gerry Adams at Stormont.