11.   In December, Irish officials asked President Clinton to assist them in this campaign.

12.   Irish officials would not discuss the raids or Aich, saying only that the police in that country had acted properly.

13.   Irish officials were incensed in February when the EU reprimanded them for exceeding EU limits on taxes and spending.

14.   Irish officials, sniffing an opportunity, persuaded Aeroflot to ship its own fuel to Shannon, where it was allowed to barter it for maintenance and landing fees.

15.   Irish officials seem well aware of the perils.

16.   Irish officials had been much more optimistic throughout the day.

17.   Irish officials say that without Sinn Fein present to represent the IRA the council will be ineffectual.

18.   It was telling that Irish officials were leaking the report before their British counterparts.

19.   Later, Mr. Bruton, who is running for re-election, said Irish officials might meet with Sinn Fein to discuss the possibility of a cease-fire.

20.   Not wanting to be accused of the same lack of protocol, Irish officials said they first raised the idea of proximity talks with the British last week.