DAVID BLOOMFIELD is a Lecturer at the Department of Peace Studies, Bradford University. He is the author of Political Dialogue in Northern Ireland: The Brooke Initiative 1989-92 and Peacemaking Strategies in Northern Ireland: Developing Complementarity in Conflict Management. During the 1980s he was a trainer and practitioner of conflict resolution in his native Northern Ireland.

• Preface Dramatis Personae Introduction The Best Job in British Politics Musical Chairs An Air of Optimism Strand One-and-a-Half Tension on Demand Happiness Abounds Yes! We're Going to Crack This! The Riddle of the Strands Just a Step Along the Way Stockpiling Obstacles Appendix 1: Possible Outline Framework Appendix 2: The Ninian Stephen Document Bibliography Index

'...this book gives a definitive account of the talks' progress, and will no doubt become an important source for future historians of the peace process.' - Christopher Reeves, University of Wales, Aberystwyth