Tanaiste Mary Harney said David Trimble's refusal to authorise the attendance at cross-border meetings of Sinn Fein was incompatible with the Good Friday Agreement.

BBC: PMs discuss NI peace process

An unexpected challenge to the party leadership of Mary Harney, who is deputy prime minister and health minister, by Michael McDowell, the justice minister, was rebuffed.

ECONOMIST: Ireland's unpopular government: Bertie's blues | The

FF's Bertie Ahern as taoiseach, but with the formidable Mary Harney as tanaiste in charge of industry and enterprise, and Charlie McCreevy as finance minister, has won plaudits from Irish and overseas businessmen alike.

ECONOMIST: The economy has some weaknesses��but several strengths too