This process can be set back ... but I do not think it can be undone. Because it is very much a one-way process ... not towards a united Ireland, but more to responsible government.

Whoever it was that set me up wants me in the ground as quickly as possible,

Our goal was not to interfere with the process as it was always set to begin. We've put the process in place to ensure that we are able to follow the process, the families are kept up to date, and we have a public hearing that allows everybody to participate.

The two governments are pretty unapologetic about that, because it is an attempt to keep them in the process and make them realize that anybody who would be seen to be responsible for the breakdown of talks this time, however fairly or unfairly, would not be forgiven by the public.

There are a great many people on the Unionist side who feel such a gesture would be little more than a surrender to nationalist pressure at the moment, and one more affront to the Unionist community.

That's not something you set out to do, or something you think about when you get started, but when you get to that level and achieve that, there is a certain pride that goes with that. As time goes by and you see how much has been accomplished, it's mind-boggling, but it's a validation for all the hard work of the kids, their families, and the coaches.