NEWSPAPERS and social media are all full of justified praise and admiration for the astonishing success of the Fleadh and its hands across the divide.

By contrast, the same outlets were also full of speculation at the weekend that the divided Stormont Executive is likely to fall apart if Sinn Féin pulls the plug.

That comes after warnings from Senator Conor Murphy and party chair Declan Kearney that the position is “precarious”, that the DUP’s “arrogance, sectarianism” and “despicable dog-whistle politics and… deep hostility to the equality agenda... confirm the party’s lack of commitment to power-sharing”.

Some have suggested Sinn Féin has been stung into action by the recent LucidTalk poll showing a continued decline in support for the party.

Patricia Mac Bride: We’ve spent decades learning how to live with differences. The Fleadh found the rhythms that connect them

Brian Feeney: Sinn Féin cannot enter another Stormont Executive without progress on a border poll

Maybe so, but the animus towards the DUP’s negative, provocative behaviour predates the poll.

The single most infuriating action was Paul Givan’s switch of £5 million earmarked for Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta to other schools.

What particularly enraged Sinn Féin members and supporters was that Givan had put in a bid for £6 million for Irish-medium schools last December, but when his department received........

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