AS YOU might expect, a political correspondent with The Irish News is always going to have a sometimes difficult relationship with the DUP leadership.
No political party likes criticism or articles that highlight negative aspects of policy or its representatives' behaviour but the DUP tends to take such coverage more personally than others.
After Peter Robinson candidly spoke to me in 2014 about his support for Pastor James McConnell, famously stating that he'd trust a Muslim to "go to the shops", there were no further interviews, despite numerous requests.
When Arlene Foster became DUP leader in January 2016, the embargo was lifted and the newly-appointed first minister was happy to talk to The Irish News, along with other journalists.
In her first interview, amid a celebratory and optimistic atmosphere in her new office at Stormont, she stated that she'd happily attend a GAA match but would not be going to that year's Easter Rising commemorations in the Republic.
Over the subsequent months, below the radar, a controversy was brewing around the cost of little known renewable energy scheme that had been developed under Mrs Foster's watch while she was economy minister.
Its controversial closure was first reported by Press Association journalist David Young in February 2016 and in July that year the Audit Office produced a report documenting many of the RHI's costly failings.
I recall reading the report online, my jaw dropping, while on holiday in Connemara.
Fast forward a few months to October and the Irish News had its first proper sit-down interview with a DUP leader for more than three years.
We spoke about Brexit and how Mrs Foster believed it was "impossible" to have a hard border, citing the difficulties it would lead to in her native Fermanagh, where roads criss-crossed the invisible frontier with the south.
It was also an opportunity to ask the first minister about her oversight of RHI.
Mrs Foster adamantly refused to accept any responsibility for cash-for-ash and claimed it was actually her that brought the scheme's shortcomings to the attention of officials, having been alerted by two whistleblowers.
"It was developed by officials in a way that shouldn't have been developed by officials," she said.
When it was highlighted that they were her officials in her department, the DUP leader said: "I hope you're not suggesting I get to see every single jot and tittle that goes on in every ministerial department."
The phrase "jot and tittle", a reference derived from Greek meaning small detail, subsequently entered the regional political lexicon and has been cast up on a number occasions to chide Mrs Foster, who later apologised for her role in RHI.
Unfortunately, its widespread reporting and the grilling of the DUP leader over an issue that would dominate the headlines in following months and almost ended her political career prompted the shutters to come down once again.
Despite countless requests over the next four-and-a-half years – the last one earlier this week – no interview was granted.
Mrs Foster did take the trouble to say hello to me and we exchanged pleasantries at the 2019 European election count but there was no further professional engagement.
Also, I'm reliably informed that this time last year when I was recovering from serious illness, the first and deputy first minister agreed to send me a card – I'm assuming wishing me a speedy recovery.
In typical Stormont form, however, it seems nobody would take responsibility for the task and the proposed gesture was therefore unfulfilled.
But if you're reading this Arlene, that interview invitation still stands.
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