The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, has suggested that the Democratic Unionist Party and the UK Unionist Party have opted out of the talks process at Stormont because "they are afraid of change" and by their non-participation, the Ulster Unionists have sought to "protract" the talks process.
Speaking on BBC radio yesterday as the Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, spoke at the Labour Party conference, Mr Adams said that although Northern Ireland was discussed periodically at the conference "it isn't just because we are involved that others have opted out.
"They have opted out because they are afraid of change. Even those who are participating, their non-involvement is because they see change as being to their disadvantage and they are trying to minimise it, and they are trying to dilute and protract the process."
The Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, had "taken some time" to join the talks, but Mr Adams said he was hopeful that by putting personal likes and dislikes to one side, a "peaceful future" could be built.
"I hope that he reaches out and realises that we need to build a peaceful future. I realise that it is difficult to come to this position the same way that it is difficult for everyone else."
Mr Adams said he did not "rate" the political credentials of the UK Unionist leader, Mr Robert McCartney, describing him as "quite intellectually and emotionally dishonest about all of this".
He then called on the British government to grasp the "best opportunity" for peace for 75 years.