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As they say, that broke up the dolly house, and today lead member for the Government side John Saldivar had to go fence mending.  He and two UDP members of the committee, Patrick Faber and Mark King met with representatives of the council of churches.  It happened at the Wesley Church conference room which is right next to Channel 7's studio.  So we waited for them to come out around 12:30 â€“ at the end of a two-hour meeting. Saldivar was cagey about the way ahead:

Hon. John Saldivar – Government Member, Public Accounts Committee
"We had this meeting today as members of the Government's side of the Public Accounts Committee. We met with the Council of Church; it was a very fruitful meeting, as you can see, a long discussion. It took place for at least an hour and a half or so, and I am very happy with the direction that the talks have gone. I believe that we can reach a consensus, an agreement. We've agreed at the end of this meeting, to meet further with the social partners, with the other social partners to talk about the recommendations that have come out of this meeting. So, we will have such a meeting, hopefully next week, after which, we'll be able to make a more detailed announcement."

Jules Vasquez
"However, can you speak generally? Do those recommendations include greater or any input at all from the social partners, who are just having observer status right now?"

Hon. John Saldivar
"I'd prefer for us to hammer out the details after we meet with the other social partners, who we hope to meet with on Wednesday, but I do believe that it will greatly enhance our governance, our democracy, and our accountability systems."

Jules Vasquez
"However, do you remain fixed on the fundament that the majority in the House has to be the majority in the Committee?"

Hon. John Saldivar
"Jules, I will get into the details after we have met with the other social partners."

That follow-up meeting is expected to be held next week.