Slightly constitutional dealings with Sinn Féin

SUDDENLY, after years of weakness and excessive concessions toward paramilitary forces that threaten state security, and the sidelining of parties such as the SDLP and the UUP, the Government feels it is now uncomfortable in dealing with SF/IRA.

Late last year, senior government figures suggested a future coalition arrangement with Sinn Féin, but then quickly reversed this because of the public outcry.

In practice, FF has already gone into coalition with SF in Cavan County Council and Bandon Town Council, to give just two examples.