Oh good, the secretary of state is going to make a decision. Yes, Chris Heaton-Harris (HH) has promised he will decide what to do if the DUP does not return to Stormont. He has not said when he will decide, so that’s another decision-in-waiting for a man who has a fine track record in indecision.
So what are his options? All decision-making begins with two choices: do nothing or do something. Since he arrived here, HH has done nothing and, in fairness, he has done it rather well. He could continue to do nothing until the British general election, which will probably allow him to pass the problem to an incoming Labour government.
If Stormont does not return imminently, direct rule is needed while talking begins on what comes next – Newton EmersonOpens in new windowThe boycott has failed. Donaldson needs to get the DUP back to Stormont – nowOpens in new windowStormont sketch: There’s a growing sense we won’t be back on the hill any time soonOpens in new windowLabour will return Britain as close to EU membership as makes no difference and the Windsor Agreement will then become irrelevant. The problem of Stormont’s........