UUP should assert itself against DUP

Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen was clearly embarrassed

It obviously complicates matters by diverting attention to the views of an adviser, rather than the views of the minister, or the Government as a whole.

Each minister receives various briefing documents arguing the different sides of any issue. The views express merely the attitude of the adviser, not necessarily the minister or the Government. Brian Cowen said that he had not drawn on that document, but there is no doubt that many people will agree with the views expressed by its author.