Sinn Féin and the DUP are at pains to insist devolution is stable, despite recent scandals in Sinn Féin and ensuing acrimony between both parties.

There is every reason to believe them. In fact, devolution will become even more stable if Sinn Féin has a disappointing Irish general election, as opinion polls predict.

That would make it almost as dependent upon Stormont’s survival as the DUP, certainly until the next general election at the end of this decade.

Nevertheless, the past few weeks have revealed a stubborn sense of fragility around the institutions. There are also clearly people within republicanism and unionism who see opportunity in chaos and would be happy if the executive fell.

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All of this serves as a reminder that Stormont reform cannot be allowed to slip off the agenda.

There was always a danger it would do so after devolution was restored but initial efforts were made to sustain it. The cause reached something........

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