Fresh concerns over stability of Stormont

There are fresh concerns about the stability of power-sharing at Stormont after bad-tempered exchanges between the First and Deputy First ministers, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.

As assembly members prepare for the first days of the new session next week, it does not bode well for the future.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness share a joint office with equal status and all their speeches have to be cross-checked.

Peter Robinson was meant to deliver anodyne thoughts on devolution earlier this week but instead fired a shot across Sinn Féin's bow with a withering speech on the drawbacks of the mutual veto they both have.

Martin McGuinness retaliated immediately saying the First Minister had just returned from holiday in Florida and appeared to have sunstroke after spending too long in Disneyland, and if the DUP wanted to be antagonistic and combative, Sinn Féin would meet him head on.