We had the IRA ceasefire in August 1994 and a lot of people assumed that a deal had been done - which wasn't right.

The decision to give an indicative date for a return is a mistake. It degrades the process. It degrades human life.

Politics can be likened to driving at night over unfamiliar hills and mountains. Close attention must be paid to what the beam can reach and the next bend.

We had the IRA ceasefire in August 1994 and a lot of people assumed that a deal had been done - which wasn't right.

It seemed to me that John [Taylor] had a good chance of becoming leader: and I was fairly comfortable with that. I respected his judgment. And I also thought to myself that - because I was able to get on with him - I could become his Chief Whip.

There are two traditions in Northern Ireland. There are two main religious denominations. But there is only one true moral denomination. And it wants peace.

I had read an early profile of [Tony] Blair by Frank Millar in which he said that Blair was very keen on the 'consent principle'.