Testing intent behind the tough talking

Some progress has been made on talks on the future of Northern Ireland though the Unionist delegates do not acknowledge Sinn Fein's presence. Sinn Fein's president, Gerry Adams, appears to accept the possibility of a solution that does not involve a united Ireland, though he has not explicitly stated this. Ulster Unionist head, David Trimble, is enthusiastic about devolution which is likely to involve less independence than Scotland, but more than Wales.