The second round of talks on the Drumcree impasse involving Northern Ireland's First Minister, Mr David Trimble, and elected representatives from the Craigavon area failed to find a breakthrough yesterday.
The discussions involved representatives of the SDLP, Sinn Fein, the Ulster Unionists and Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition, and took place at Pinebank House, located in a predominantly nationalist area of Craigavon. The decision to change venues followed loyalist protests at last week's talks. Once again the DUP and the United Unionist Assembly member Mr Denis Watson refused to participate.
When the talks broke up shortly before 6 p.m., Mr Trimble drove off without speaking to reporters. A spokesperson later said: "The fact that there have been two lengthy meetings is indicative of the constructive nature of the talks. The atmosphere is professional and businesslike."
The Sinn Fein Assembly member for Upper Bann, Dr Dara O'Hagan, said she felt that everyone taking part was "committed to resolving the Drumcree issue". UUP councillor Kenneth Twybl, said yesterday's meeting was, "constructive" and there were proposals for another meeting next week.
The SDLP's Ms Brid Rodgers, agreed the talks had been "positive" but said she would not like to raise expectations.
Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition spokesman Mr Breandan Mac Cionnaith said "there are no concrete proposals on the table. What we are doing is exploring the issues that need to be dealt with."