Steady as he goes

As predicted, Jim Allister has resigned from the DUP over its decision to share power with Sinn Féin. This sort of thing is normal and natural. As any party with over 20% of the electorate's votes commits to any major political line there will be disaffected who reach for their coats. But the broad - worldwide - applause Ian and Gerry have had has been unmistakeable, and it's time to keep the ship on an even keel and press on through the waves.

 

As Monday's political frenzy gives way to specific coalition talks, let's remember that coalitions are marriages of convenience, not meeting of minds. This is especially so of two parties on opposite sides of, well, everything really. As coalition experience shows in Germany, Italy and most recently the Netherlands which has three parties in government, you don't have to agree on what you believe, you have to agree on what you're going to do.

 

The coalition talks are going to be the toughest imaginable at a time when neither party has any real experience in government. But if God has brought us this far he'll take us the rest of the way. The Big Thing is to trust and move on with a spring in our step.