THE Taoiseach refused to be drawn on his telephone conversation with Mr John Major.

"I had a useful conversation with the British Prime Minister, but it would not be appropriate to set the precedent of giving details of conversations of this nature," Mr Bruton said.

"Obviously, we both have a common objective and that is to make the talks, which will commence on June 10th, as inclusive and as successful as possible.

"We recognise that as governments we have responsibilities in that matter to give as as many assurances as we can to assist the parties. But we equally recognise that all of the parties have a responsibility in that regard themselves, individually and together, to make the talks a success.

"In particular, we recognise the fact that the IRA has a responsibility to reinstate its ceasefire so that Sinn Fein can take part."

Mr Bruton was responding to the Fianna Fail deputy leader, Ms Mary O'Rourke, who said that despite reservations about the electoral process the House should wish those embarking on it well.