Gerry Moriarty on the front page of the Irish Times finds some resonance in the idea that the outline proposals are a not so subtle challenge to the DUP to get back to the Assembly. If this is a stick, it’s a medium term one. These proposals don’t take effect until 2009, although the preparations will need to be put in place well before that time. If the speculation is right, it may a canny strategic move to bring the Sisyphean taskof bringing viable democracy to Northern Ireland to a close. DUP may let this round go to Sinn Fein, but will they be in a position to meet the next challenge: the boundary commission? Can the British government afford for Unionists to take many more direct hits?
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