Cowen: Trimble walkout 'regrettable'

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen has said he regrets this afternoon's Stormont talks walk out by David Trimble, the Ulster Unionist leader.

Mr Cowen said the document leaked to the press yesterday saying the IRA was still involved in paramilitary activity did not change its assessment that Sinn Fein was fully committed to the peace process.

Speaking at Stormont within the past hour, he said the talks would resume in the New Year.

"Today's developments are regrettable, particularly because they retard rather than advance the core objective of bringing about a fully peaceful society," he said.

"As we discussed in today's talks we will be in touch with all of the parties to build on the very real engagement that that characterised the talks until now."