It had been easy for Mr David Trimble to "jump" in relation to the peace process when he had in place the safety net provided by the Northern Ireland Secretary, said Mr Enda Bonner (FF).
The Donegal senator said he was stating this as someone who still had a high regard for Mr Trimble. "We all realise now why Mo Mowlam was moved on."
He said the British government had acted too hastily last Friday. The executive should be reactivated immediately.
Dr Maurice Hayes (Ind) said it was proper that public representatives had shown some restraint while discussions had been taking place "in camera". But things had now moved into the open and there was a danger that the agenda would be set by people who were outside the political process.
Mr David Norris (Ind) said there was a stark contrast between the approaches taken by Sinn Fein/IRA and loyalists. The latter had apologised for the carnage they had caused and had appointed a representative to liaise with the decommissioning body in February 1997. They had also made a token surrender of weapons.
Dr Dermot Fitzpatrick (FF) said he echoed the concern of Dr Hayes that the debate should not be allowed to revert to "back rooms".