LONDON: Talks between Ryanair Holdings Plc and representatives of striking Irish pilots extended into the early hours Thursday as the two sides sought to reach an agreement that could hold the key to resolving a wider European dispute over pay and contracts. A third session of negotiations since Monday spanned more than 12 hours before being adjourned at 12:30am, according to the Forsa union, which said the talks at Dublin airport are likely to resume later this week. The discussions, mediated by labour relations veteran Kieran Mulvey, represent the best chance yet of halting walkouts that have weighed on Ryanair earnings and disrupted travel for thousands of people. While the strike spans Europe, a breakthrough in Ireland is seen as key to resolving the clash, since it was staff there who initiated a push for unionisation and better employment terms.