1.   They began making overtures to the Irish government.

2.   The key issue was the precise timing and stage at which the Irish government would enter such talks.

3.   Discussion centred on the issue of the point at which the Irish government should enter the envisaged inter-party talks.

4.   In the past the Irish government had insisted that it should be involved in talks between the parties from the start.

5.   Brooke had faced two particular stumbling blocks, the status of the Ulster Unionists within the talks and the timing of the involvement of the Irish government.

6.   Strand two brought in the Irish government and strand three was to be between the UK and Irish governments.

7.   He had never believed reports that the Irish government was not interested in reviving the talks.

8.   Already, the Irish government has said it will not talk formally with Sinn Fein until the cease-fire resumes.

9.   Also to be featured prominently will be a band from Ireland, De Jimbe, whose participation is being subsidized by the Irish government.

10.   And a spokesman for the Irish government said the ministers will meet again tomorrow if they fail to reach agreement tonight.