The IRA’s Easter statement, gives little away, and ups the tension as the holidays approach.
The latest word is that the elections are to go ahead, but there is some concern that the continuing hiatus will leave pro-Agreement Unionists with little to show from the last five years.
Though it is still possible that the IRA could promise the right kind of move to allow Trimble to face his electorate, it is hard to resist coming to the conclusion that republican strategists have been stalling for enough time to get in under the media cover that the publication of the Stevens report will undoubtedly bring.
Technically speaking the last card is with Tony Blair and a last minute postponement of the elections until Autumn-time. Otherwise, it could be the end of the road for pro-Agreement Unionism.
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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