The Hillside and the Plough
The two main unionist parties may be committed to discussions on future unity, but they are currently camped out at separate pubs in Hillsborough. After a round-table session which one participant described as constructive, the Ulster Unionists headed across the road to get a meal at the Plough. A few moments later, the DUP negotiating team caused a minor sensation by walking out. But it was not a political move - they were heading off to grab something to eat at the Hillside on the other side of the road.
A good-humoured Peter Robinson told reporters they would be here for a while yet, but refused to go into any more detail. Mr Robinson also seemed in good form when the cameras captured the opening moments of the round-table session. In contrast to last month's angry exchanges at Limavady, Mr Robinson and Martin McGuinness joked about football - the deputy first minister reminding the prime minister that the DUP leader supports two teams, Chelsea and Spurs, and Mr Robinson retorting that you have to cover all your options.
Tonight, given the apparently positive mood music, some talks insiders are predicting that a deal is only a matter of time. However, no agreement can be taken as a foregone conclusion until all the key players have signed up to it.
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