The Cedar Lounge Revolution

Ain’t it grand? Ireland’s favourite duo leave the stage, with only one set to return while Peter Robinson, fresh from an apprenticeship that has spanned mere decades becomes the new First Minister of the Assembly.

And despite the huffing and puffing Sinn Féin decided not to blow the house down. Which was probably wise, for who would thank them?

So, a raft of issues that the parties should deal with but unaccountably haven’t – presumably with an eye to long-fingering them into near perpetuity – are to be given the once over by that reverse Midas of political activity and struggle… er… Gordon Brown. Well, if it’s anything like his other attempts to ‘lead’ the tumble weed will be blowing through the corridors of Stormont come the Autumn. If I were Peter and Martin I’d stay well away from Number 10.

But they will have to go, if only to get the blessing of the PM and all the residual power of his office. It promises to be a… challenging event…

British prime minister Gordon Brown will chair talks with the two North ministers at Downing Street tomorrow to address security, the failure to introduce an Irish language act and continuing concerns about paramilitary organisations.

And an interesting speech today from Robinson (text available on Slugger O’Toole) which was perhaps a fraction more positive and restrained than one might expect.

“We have exercised our veto and we have not been alone in applying a veto.

“It isn’t an indication of strength or success, it is simply an indication that we were unable to agree.

“My colleagues and I didn’t negotiate these changes as a weapon to be used against other parties but as a safeguard for as long as it is needed of the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.”

Some change where it’s no longer about ’strength’ or ’success’, at least on the rhetorical level (although the messages are still clear).

Let me make it clear I did not negotiate these changes as a weapon to be used against other parties, but as a safeguard, for as long as it is needed, of the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.

The truth is that unless we can create a shared society we will not truly have turned the corner as a people. So – if I can rework the words of Abraham Lincoln, uttered almost 150 years ago – let us strive on to finish the work we are in and bind up the wounds of our divided community.

Cant? Well, to some extent. And note the following:

We in Northern Ireland are in the unique position of benefiting from all of the advantages of being a part of the United Kingdom and at the same time having more positive relations than ever before with the Republic of Ireland.

Although the following must have given pause for thought amongst some…

And we must work to transform the institutions to ensure that we move smoothly to democratic normality in the years ahead.

So. Not quite a thaw, but… in the context of a speech which gave arguably far too much attention implicitly to the Jim Allisters of the world…

For a moment let me respond to some opponents outside this House…My colleagues and I will justify to those who matter – the electorate of Northern Ireland – the judgement call we made. But let me assure you, Mr Speaker, our actions as we move forward will not be limited or governed by the snarl and screech of those jarring and rancorous voices that trade on creating fear.

er… yes, so unlike the past… it did at least contain a smidgen of optimism…

Or…as he said himself…

We have made a good start. There are some in this chamber who have in the past quoted an old Irish proverb or aphorism which being interpreted says ‘A good start is half the job’.

Serious and a concentration on the job…

Of course the Deputy First Minister and I will have to roll up our sleeves – and neither of us will duck the challenges or recoil from the hard work that such tasks require.

Not much chuckling for the future then…