It is worth remembering that the current backlash would be much worse had the Government not subsequently acted to unilaterally extend ‘grace periods’.
The DUP has suspended checks and Stormont is on the brink of collapse; if Truss cannot secure concessions, Johnson must act.
The EU insisted on setting aside the Province’s usual requirements for cross-community support. That could have consequences.
Poots has purged Foster’s old team and nominated an ex-spad as First Minister. These do not suggest confidence.
A united front against the sea border might be their best chance – regardless of the headaches it causes in Dublin, Brussels, or London.
Also: true scale of the Irish Protocol’s impact on commerce, and Stormont’s ‘rank incompetence’, show how Ulster unionism needs a refresh.
It may prove easier to maintain coordination when imposing the rules than easing them, especially if regional variegation is called for.
Also: schools and businesses shut down across the nation; DUP slammed in ‘cash-for-ash’ report; and Salmond’s trial continues.
Also: Scottish Conservative leadership candidates set out how they’ll take the fight to the SNP; Jack says no referendum re-run in Sturgeon’s lifetime.
Giving Northern Ireland a say over the introduction of new EU laws would at least introduce a measure of democracy into the system.
It doesn’t support the EU and Irish Government narratives that are being pushed as part of the Brexit negotiations.
Also: Government accused of ‘appeasing the IRA’ over Ulster veterans; Welsh Labour leadership hopefuls in data row; and DUP urge end to Stormont boycott.
“What is clear however is that even amongst proponents of reform there is currently no consensus on what that reform should entail.”
Evidence is mounting that the Assembly simply doesn’t – and perhaps can’t – deliver good government consistently. But the deal which founded it is treated as holy writ.
It’s deeply disturbing for many that a modern European democracy might shortly be led by a party that continues to have its strategy overseen by an Army Council.