THE annual silly season is behind us and it's now time to get serious again. With Covid-19 cases rising at a scary rate and fresh restrictions being imposed it is vital that our regional government speaks with a coherent and united voice. That much, if little else, appears to have been recognised by Michelle O'Neill, who yesterday morning met the minimum requirement demanded by Arlene Foster for the pair to resume joint press conferences.
There was no apology as such from the deputy first minister for undermining a public health message that she herself played a key role in disseminating. In a handful of sentences, which we can surmise were sent to RTÉ via email or text, she merely acknowledged that her actions in attending Bobby Storey's funeral had unintended consequences, which were regrettable. We can only speculate why it took more than two months and a sharp rise in coronavirus cases to muster those few lines. Perhaps with the assembly returning after summer recess the failure of the executive's two figureheads to be seen working in tandem would convey a sense of terminal dysfunction that could prove fatal?
Both leaders needed an end to the standoff. Sinn Féin frittered away its credibility around coronavirus, party representatives condemned by the actions of its senior personnel to bite their lips when Sammy Wilson was comparing face coverings to muzzles or when dozens of youths were gathering like huge Covid petri dishes. Residual scepticism will remain, especially among unionists, but at least the ill-advised behaviour at the Storey funeral won't be continually cast up every time Michelle O'Neill makes a public appearance. That said, there is still an outstanding requirement for a greater explanation alongside some contrition.
Arlene Foster didn't need much persuading to join Ms O'Neill at their respective podiums yesterday as arguably she needs the rapprochement more. She's had a bad summer and not solely because the Twelfth was cancelled. Rebellious MLAs, the public relinquishment of her 'blood red lines' and a diminished profile have left the DUP leader looking ineffectual. Meanwhile, Sammy Wilson, never the first minister's strongest ally, appears bent on sabotaging from the sidelines any goodwill that's left at Stormont.
But now we have 'New Season New Start', a chance to rebuild the relationship and strong leadership qualities that against the odds somehow prospered in the first half of the year. Both the first and deputy first minister can ill afford any more setbacks of their own making, while the public needs reassured by solid leadership if the Covid crisis deepens.
Over to you, Arlene and Michelle.
