The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, has "deplored" the media briefing at the EU summit in Nice to the effect that nothing significant should be expected from President Clinton's visit to the North, writes Alison O'Connor.
Mr Bruton said he hoped it was deceptive news management, designed to create a bigger impression if a breakthrough was made during Mr Clinton's visit. "But if the briefing is true, it is both a tragedy and a scandal", he said.