Well belly up it is then – for today at least! The issues seem to be twofold: sanctions and decommissioning.
However the hard deadline for restoration of government after the election remains Saturday – the date by which Trimble must call a meeting of the UUC to gain approval for taking his seat in government.
It’s important to remember that the failure to agree is amongst the pro Agreement parties/factions. None of the anti camp were allowed into any of the talks leading up to this particular pass.
This throws up a fascinating possiblity. On a cursory glance this might seem to vindicate the no camp’s assertion that the Good Friday Agreement is unworkable. Whether true or not, if this is a serious breakdown it is almost certain the DUP will get the further negotiations they have been asking for/expecting.
The no camp would then be in a position to strike a deal more to to their taste, and the taste of many ordinary unionists. They may then face the sternest test of their political lives – to pull off a deal that we can all live with!
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
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