At the graveside of democracy, Trimble and Paisley share a smile

ONCE MORE the Northern Ireland institutions are heading for suspended animation because a power-sharing government elected precisely to do that, share power, refuses to do so.

Tottering from one suspension to the next is merely postponing the day when Unionists of all shades will have to recognise that democracy has arrived in the North.

The sight of Ian Paisley pictured on the front page of this newspaper with his mouth agape in a burst of laughter was confirmation that the peace process was heading for real trouble once again.