So the downward spiral continues. It continues because neither the UUP nor the SDLP accepts it faces an existential crisis, now acute after a generation.

Three elections in two years have accentuated their decline, culminating in the disappointment of July when the UUP failed to capitalise on the DUP’s division and disarray and the SDLP saw its share of the vote fall further, despite standing in every constituency to try to sustain its share.

Now they face the ignominy that no-one in their parties wants to be leader.

The UUP faces the ridiculous position of running on a re-tread. Of course as a former TV presenter, running a repeat will not be a new experience for Nesbitt.

Lessons on preparing for constitutional change – Cormac Moore

Letter: ‘Gregory Campbell shouldn’t be allowed to rewrite history’

The most ecstatic response to the news came from the deputy leader, Robbie Butler: “A revised and refreshed leadership team of the UUP, led by Mike Nesbitt, is an exciting opportunity to not only embed the vision of a modern, ambitious and vibrant strand of unionism…” Blah, blah, blah.

Revised? Refreshed? Maybe that’s because Butler didn’t see the original programme? Nesbitt has given notice that he’s going to try what he failed to........

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