No progress so far, says Ahern

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern reported ‘‘no progress so far’’ in efforts to resolve the Northern Ireland peace process impasse when he broke off from discussions in Britain to attend court proceedings in Dublin today.

But Mr Ahern said he and Tony Blair were ready to work through the night, if necessary, in a bid to break the deadlock.

The Taoiseach was due to return to the Midlands talks venue after today’s hearing at Dublin’s Circuit Civil Court. The case centred on an action he took over since-withdrawn allegations by a Co Cork businessman that Mr Ahern accepted a £50,000 bribe over a planning issue.

Mr Ahern said yesterday’s opening talks at the Weston Park Hotel, in Staffordshire, had been ‘‘useful’’, but conceded there had been no breakthrough.

About a threat by Northern Ireland’s Progressive Unionist Party to leave the process, Mr Ahern commented: ‘‘I hope nobody pulls out - that would be very unhelpful.’’