Long period of direct rule ahead?

The Guardian’s leader ends on a mildly pessimistic note for those who thought this latest election might lead to something in the short to medium term:

Direct rule appears to be the shape of things to come for some time ahead. Unless and until the IRA makes a fundamental and verifiable existential choice to put itself out of business, the new Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain will find few takers on the unionist side willing to run the risk of remaking the new status quo.

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