A similar point was made strongly at Stormont last week by the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue. This is an inclusive process, and there is no question of pushing anyone overboard. This week's round of talks involving the two prime ministers and the main parties achieved little. Ideas on how to resolve the impasse are scarce. Both London and Dublin insist they are resolutely determined to keep trying.
Next week looks like the last Big Push before the summer.
If, as seems likely, no progress is made then the process will be gently parked for a few months. There is a certain air of recrimination in Dublin political circles. Questions are now being asked and fingers are pointing as to the source of the Taoiseach's faulty guidance, but no volunteers are coming forward to take the blame. But as Dr Mowlam has been pointing out, with resolute chirpiness, they haven't walked away, you know, and all the pro-agreement parties are still at the table. It seems the Northern Secretary will be in attendance at next week's meetings whether the unionists like it or not.