THE British Prime Minister, Mr John Major, will attempt to breathe new life into the North's talks process when he addresses the Conservative Party conference later this morning, reports Frank Millar. It is understood Mr Major plans to devote a substantial section of his speech to underlining his personal commitment to the process - and his determination that it should move ahead without Sinn Fein.
Against a background of growing public scepticism, British ministers still believe the parties can move swiftly into substantive negotiations.
Next week's scheduled meetings at Stormont are assuming critical importance if the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP are to signal a determination to move the process forward.
In his speech this morning Mr Major will again stress his opposition to suggestions that the talks process should be recessed until after a British general election.