There is a growing sense that time is running out for interminable loyalist peace processing. DUP ministers are under increasing if somewhat inconsistent pressure over meeting the Loyalist Communities Council. An SDLP assembly motion received all-party support to review and toughen Stormont’s strategy on paramilitary transition.

The figure of 12,500 UVF and UDA members is being quoted in public debate but this is not as intimidating an obstacle as it might seen. It comes from a 2018 PSNI and MI5 intelligence report, obtained by the BBC two years later.

While the report found loyalist groups were active, dangerous and still recruiting, it stated most “card carrying” members were inactive and would leave if they were not trapped by a coercive system. Loyalist leaders want the kudos, control and income of having ‘men under their command’ - membership dues alone totalled £250,000 a month.

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Many of the 12,500 would be among the most relieved people in Northern Ireland to see loyalist transition concluded.

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The DUP’s response to safeguarding scandals in Sinn Féin is being carefully watched and care should be taken not to exaggerate it.

Leader Gavin Robinson has issued a disapproving tweet about the “apparent cover-up”, although it contained no demands and he switched off replies. The following day, deputy first minister Emma Little Pengelly called on Sinn Féin to “get its house........

© The Irish News