THE Taoiseach turned down a request for a meeting from the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, about two weeks ago.
The request, made "through a third party, sought a meeting directly with Mr Bruton, rather than a joint meeting with the three Coalition party leaders.
It is believed Mr Bruton's initial response was that the meeting should be held in the political track of the twin track process. This would have involved Mr Trimble meeting the Tanaiste, Mr Spring.
When Mr Trimble would not hold the meeting in this context, the sources added, it was turned down.
