North deadlock - Time for clear words and leadership

NOT for the first time, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has been left with egg on his face over his tendency not to use joined-up language when speaking on major issues.

For a while yesterday it seemed he was helping to unravel the historic deal to restore power sharing and bring peace to the North.

With seemingly minor problems conspiring to undo the dramatic progress made towards a final solution, the governments are taking two steps back for every step forward and a deal before Christmas now seems unlikely.