There’s only one prediction you can be certain about and that is that the future will not be the same as the past.

The only people who don’t know that are unionist politicians.

It means they must search endlessly, but always failing, for ways to prevent change so that they can live in the past.

2026 will be a particular challenge for them. Political commentators in Britain are unanimous that politics on the other island are going to change dramatically.

Brian Feeney: As political turmoil spreads across Britain in 2026, will unionists accept their future lies on this island?

Alex Kane: In 2007 I had hope. Now I don’t think the parties give a toss about the chaos we’re in

They are agreed on a number of conclusions, first of which is that the 20th century Conservative-Labour duopoly is collapsing.

Secondly, Starmer won’t last until the autumn. His successors are already circling, daggers drawn.

It’s even rumoured that one or two have already set up campaign headquarters, ready to activate as soon as the May council, Scottish parliament and Welsh Senedd........

© The Irish News