Speaking at a business reception in east Belfast on Thursday he said the review meetings so far had been useful but he had still not decided whether to present his own compromise formula. He said he would not still be involved in the process if he felt it could not succeed. Some hours earlier, embattled Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said he believed it was too early to write off the peace process. Some dissident members of his own party are against the UUP continuing to be involved in the review because of Sinn Fein's participation. This process is a darned sight more robust than many people give it credit.
People know it embodies the best chance they have had, or are likely to have for decades.
That is why it is more robust and that is why we will continue to do our utmost to ensure the opportunities that are here are realised. The UUP leader has already been criticised for meeting Sinn Fein by a woman granted a judicial review of Mo Mowlam's decision that the IRA ceasefire is intact. Mr Trimble stood beside Michelle Williamson, who lost both parents in an IRA bombing, outside the High Court on Monday. He met Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams for two hours at Stormont on Tuesday, although there was no indication that any real progress had been made. Mr Trimble has already defended his actions saying he was talking to the party to secure decommissioning and a permanent peace.