Elaine Loughlin: North begins a new chapter with the historic Windsor Framework

The unveiling of the deal was highly choreographed and loaded with symbolism that spoke to those loyal to the union

With a protocol deal now done, the DUP can no longer avoid Sinn Féin. The beginning of a new chapter was how European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen described the Windsor Framework at a joint press conference with British prime minister Rishi Sunak yesterday.

After two years of protracted talks, it took a last-minute push of political manoeuvres which saw Sunak travel to Belfast to meet with the DUP and other leaders 12 days ago, before flying on to Munich to speak with his EU counterparts.