Trimble: talks will not bring about breakthrough

The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, David Trimble says that he is not very hopeful of creating a breakthrough at next week’s series of political talks in England.

Mr Trimble was speaking as he arrived at Hillsborough Castle for a fresh round of talks with the Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid.

The talks, which are to be held in Birmingham, will include all the pro-Good Friday Agreement parties and the two Governments, but Mr Trimble remains pessimistic of any major advances in the process.