Let’s not beat around the bush. It’s pretty clear now that the British government has little or no interest in Northern Ireland; never has, never will. Quite why Hilary Benn didn’t go full hog last Friday and admit that outright is anyone’s guess.

Casement, the rejection of an inquiry into the murder of Sean Brown, and then the shambles over the north’s City Deals, signalled where this government’s priorities lie – and they are not here.

The decision pleased some. But those who opposed the redevelopment of Casement and who celebrated Friday’s reversal are wallowing in yet another act of self-harm. This wanton decision is a classic Pyrrhic victory for them.

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King Pyrrhus pulled off a stunning victory over the Romans in 279BC, but his losses were so great the victory wasn’t worth it. Sounds familiar? There’s nothing unionist politicians like more than Pyrrhic victories. Indeed, the formation of this runt of a state was one of them.

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