A party which can’t even bear to say ‘Northern Ireland’ will never make Irish Brits feel welcome in an all-island state.
It is worth remembering that the current backlash would be much worse had the Government not subsequently acted to unilaterally extend ‘grace periods’.
Meanwhile observers are already speculating about whether today’s performance will cost Douglas Ross his job.
Also: it looks like it will be a good day for Labour in both Wales and Scotland as Douglas Ross struggles to make headway.
Also: Unionist parties divided as Stormont passes controversial education bill; Baillie says Labour wrong to work with Tories.
Also: devolved administrations cling tight to Covid powers; Lewis raises prospect of prosecuting terrorists; SNP retreat from pension lie.
The DUP has suspended checks and Stormont is on the brink of collapse; if Truss cannot secure concessions, Johnson must act.
Once done, it will be near-impossible to back down with Stormont elections looming. Can the Government secure the deal it needs?
Even if they don’t, the issue will certainly dominate the coming Assembly campaign unless Truss scores a real win.
Doug Beattie faces an uphill struggle to overhaul Northern Irish unionism – but may have more time to do it than his supporters fear.
Also: Donaldson reiterates DUP threat to collapse Stormont; and Jack comes out swinging for North Sea oil.
The EU insisted on setting aside the Province’s usual requirements for cross-community support. That could have consequences.
Also: DUP leader threatens early Stormont election over the Protocol; Scottish Labour councillor defects to the Conservatives.
Also: DUP call for ‘unionist unity’ pact is a cul-de-sac for Northern Ireland that the other parties should resist.
Among those who are set to vote for a party in the Assembly elections, we find Sinn Féin in the lead.