AWESOME

The picture of Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness standing and sitting together in Stormont are amazing. It is hard to believe the change particularly with Ian Paisley. The pictures of Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams a few weeks ago were interesting. They were both sitting in a corner rather than side by side. Tony Blair's great achievement was to finally push them both into the same corner.

When the history of the last 10 weeks is written, we will find out the reasons for what has happened;

• why has Ian Paisley changed? Is he really thinking about his legacy?
• what leverage did Tony Blair have over Paisley and Adams?
• what financial bribe did Gordon Brown provide to sweeten the deal?

People in New Zealand are commenting that the pictures of Ian Paisley actually sitting down to work in government are incredible.... they are much more so for northern irelander exlies!

Anyway, it will be fascinating to see if the 'love-in' at Stormont continues!

The TVNZ TV One 'Breakfast' show on Wednesday morning showed the pictures of everyone coming down the steps of Stormont together. Unfortunately a junior presentor, Paul Henry chose to ridicule those taking part in the musical performance that was part of the celebration. At least one northern irelander in New Zealand complained to TVNZ and Henry was forced to make a grovelling apology live on Thursday morning.