Leaders need to embrace reconciliation

Nobody expects Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams to kiss and make up, but it is not unreasonable to ask that they should be civil to each other in the interest of the peace to which each proclaim their commitment.

The posturing of some of his loudest critics have allowed Mr Adams to sound distinctly statesmanlike.

Accommodating Mr Paisley and his party will be every bit as unpalatable for Sinn Féin supporters and the broad expanse of Irish nationalists, as accommodating Mr Adams and his party will be for Democratic Unionists and unionists in general.