Stormont election is called: Play with fire and you’ll get burnt

WHEN NI Secretary James Brokenshire called the second Stormont election in 10 months late yesterday he set in train a central event in a series of possibilities that defy reasonable prediction. 

That dangerous uncertainty was recognised by Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan, when he suggested yesterday, that a new election is unlikely to lead to any significant change in the relative strengths or the relationships between the North’s political parties. An inconclusive election will exacerbate rather than resolve matters.

This is especially likely if the Democratic Unionist Party continues to offer cover to its discredited, arrogant leader Arlene Foster. Her lack of humility stands in stark contrast to the understanding shown by her predecessors — Peter Robinson and Ian Paisley — who knew compromise was often unavoidable. Indeed, it is fair to say that Stormont is suspended because of Ms Foster’s never-never-never personality, one unable to recognise the nuances needed when walking on such a high wire. The DUP do her, themselves or the society they purport to serve, no favours by pretending that her behaviour can be defended.