Andrews went too far in remarks, says Ahern

The Taoiseach has disowned the controversial remarks by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, when he referred to the proposed North-South executive body as "not unlike a government". Mr Ahern admitted that the Minister's comments, which infuriated the Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble, "went somewhat further than what is the position, which he has clarified".

In exchanges with Opposition parties in the Dail, Mr Ahern also conceded that Mr Andrews "went over what is our own line in an interview, one of about 22 he gave last week, but he has now corrected that position".

Clarifying the Government's position, the Taoiseach said there had been an argument since 1920 that the issue of "a third government" would arise. People in the unionist community were very sensitive about the "third government" approach and that was why they reacted so strongly to Mr Andrews.

"We are talking about a NorthSouth body with executive powers and co-ordinating decision-making where the interests of the people, North and South, are shared, in the same way as the European Council of Ministers makes decisions together and each participant is fully accountable in their jurisdictions, as a government. . . Mr Ahern said.

He said such decisions could only be taken by consensus and there would be no mechanism to enable a combined nationalist majority, North or South, to override strenuously-held unionist views without their agreement.

Saying he was aware that Mr Andrews's remarks, especially one particular line, had created difficulties at the weekend, the Taoiseach said that the fundamental outcome which the Government wanted from the talks was stable agreements.

"As I said to Mr Trimble two weeks ago, we are not interested in conquests; we want something that is lasting and which all sides can live with and, therefore, can be sustained. This can only come about by agreement and consent," Mr Ahern added.

Asked by the Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, if he had spoken to Mr Trimble in the last 48 hours, Mr Ahern replied that he did not speak directly to him. "We had our own contacts which we have built up".