Talks began on April 29 but were brought to an end on July 3.

Prime Minister John Major's intervention brought the leaders together on March 9 1992 and discussions resumed on April 29 under a new Secretary of State, Sir Patrick Mayhew.

Agreement was not reached on Strand 1 but talks moved to the other two strands at the beginning of July, resulting in the first formal discussions between unionists and the Irish government since Sunningdale in December 1973.

When discussions resumed on September 2 1974 there was disagreement over the low priority given to changes in Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish constitution - those which lay claim to the territory of Northern Ireland - and the DUP refused to attend the Dublin talks sessions.

Talks eventually came to an impasse on Articles 2 and 3 and even a switch to economic matters could not save the talks for long after the Irish general election was called on November 5. The talks formally ended on November 10.

Despite bilateral meetings between the parties and ministers, most of 1993 elapsed without any new format for talks.

In October, John Major decided to pursue a 'peace process' with Taoiseach Albert Reynolds rather than political talks with the parties.