Blair fails to rescue Trimble and now the SDLP may need a lifeline

FOGS of over-optimism had surrounded the peace process until the sequencing was stalled by David Trimble last week.

As those fogs now clear the contours of the electoral terrain are again visible and there have been some changes over the summer months.

When the already postponed Assembly elections were postponed again by Tony Blair last May the main factor weighing on his mind was the electoral fortunes of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and its leader David Trimble. The electoral scene in May didn't suit Trimble.