The British government through John Major and other spokespersons for that Government had given both private and public commitments to inclusive talks.

Almost simultaneously Mr Ahern and other spokespersons for the Dublin Government expressed criticism of the security presence in Border areas and particularly South Armagh.

Other spokespersons for women believe the "revolution" stopped too soon, that the wave of working women should have persisted and "womanized" these traditionally masculine spheres.