21.   Sharon has consistently opposed compromise in the talks.

22.   Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., has said he opposes the compromise, but President Clinton has said he would probably sign it.

23.   The Communists have talked of moderating their position to widen their support, but the party is dominated by hard-liners who oppose compromise.

24.   The confrontation will provide a dangerous rallying point for those many Protestants who oppose the compromises that the wider Northern Ireland peace process is forcing upon them.

25.   Wolf said he did not know whether the ministry would oppose a compromise.