That "Clever Device"
As there's still quite a focus on exactly what the "clever device" might be which Peter Robinson might use if the Hillsborough agreement goes horribly wrong, it's maybe worth attracting people's attention again to this I wrote on Friday which contained the sentence "there's also speculation that the first minister could threaten his resignation if he believes republicans have not stuck to their side of the bargain by December - the date by which the new parades structures should come into force." My educated guess is that the DUP leader might have a post dated letter of resignation ready to activate in that event.
Certainly this would be consistent with Jeffrey Donaldson's interview with Stephen Nolan late on Friday night.
Tonight we are expecting the announcement of the 6 strong parades working group. It will be made up by 3 MLAs from the DUP and 3 from Sinn Fein. I haven't yet got all the names but I wouldn't be surprised if Gerry Kelly and Nelson McCausland are members.
Whilst there were plenty of plaudits for our local politicians in the Commons today when the Prime Minister gave a statement on the Hillsborough accord, the irony was that the timing of the debate in Westminster helped de-rail one fo the first stages in the timetable contained in the agreement. Peter Robinson attended the debate and told MPs that the support of other parties was essential. However when attempts were made to convene a meeting of party leaders to discuss candidates for the Justice job it became clear that Sir Reg Empey was double booked - he had fixed a meeting of his party officers and MLAs. It now looks like this first step will take place tomorrow morning.
Margaret Ritchie announced that Alban Maginness would now be her choice for the Justice job, but will she give her Social Development Minister job to someone else? It's easier to give up a potential job than a real one. Ms ritchie was ushered away without taking any questions, prompting Eamon Mallie to complain loudly that this was the way the DUP handled their news conferences. A new era in SDLP media management, perhaps?
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