Social partnership talks - Compromise deal must be reached

AS trade union, business and political leaders search for a comprise formula for a new social partnership agreement, the only certainty is that the outlook is still uncertain.

Despite a flurry of informal contacts since the limping process was adjourned last Tuesday, an air of pessimism has dogged negotiations which resumed yesterday with the gap between employers and workers unchanged.

Clearly, the negotiations are on a knife-edge and a last-ditch plea by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is the only indication that there is still a slim chance of success.