It's unlikely many readers of The Irish News were sympathetic towards Arlene Foster as she deliberated over whether to attend Martin McGuinness's funeral. For the overwhelming majority of the nationalist-republican community, and a significant number who would spurn either label, it was a no brainer – she had to go. For the DUP leader, however, it wasn't straightforward. As the predictable condemnation of her decision to attend highlighted, she was damned if she did, and damned if she didn't.
Gallery: Martin McGuinness's funeral in Derry
Video: Bill Clinton tells McGuinness funeral 'finish the peace builiding'
Political considerations aside, it must be remembered that Mrs Foster worked alongside the late Sinn Féin figurehead in the Stormont executive for a decade. They were for all intents and purposes colleagues, and if a corresponding situation arose in a workplace, there would be an expectation that she would pay her final respects at the funeral.
But of course there is nothing normal about this situation and nothing ordinary about the relationship between Mrs Foster and Mr McGuinness. Even if she had been firm in her desire to attend yesterday's Requiem Mass in Derry, there would have been other things to consider, not least the feelings of those within the her own community who, like the DUP leader herself, suffered at the hands of the IRA.
Mrs Foster has come in for criticism in recent weeks for her lack of humility, grace and respect for the nationalist tradition. Had she chosen not to travel to Derry yesterday, that disapproval would only have been amplified, and the repercussions felt for months, possibly years.
Martin McGuinness funeral https://t.co/uewhxFp3Mo
— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) March 23, 2017
In the end, not quite at the eleventh hour, she decided that she would join her predecessor Peter Robinson and countless other statesmen, stateswomen and senior politicians, including former US President Bill Clinton and Irish President Michael D Higgins, in the packed pews at St Columba's Church Long Tower.
Bill Clinton's full speech at the funeral of Martin McGuinness https://t.co/9poLXrLATi — RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 23, 2017
In explaining her decision to attend, the former first minister indicated that it was based on pragmatism, respect for Martin McGuinness's family and an acknowledgement of his contribution to building peace over the past decade-and-a-half.
Mrs Foster took her seat in the church to applause, a spontaneous gesture which no doubt made her feel welcome and at ease. Whether the reception from those who lined the route from Mr McGuinness's home would have been as overtly welcoming is debatable but there would have been a respectful recognition that the DUP leader had made sacrifices to be there.
But without question it was the correct decision on both a personal and political level, carrying huge symbolism. As another talks process at Stormont enters a crucial phase, it has set a conciliatory tone for the coming days and demonstrated that while perspectives may differ, experiences can still be shared.
It showed that from tragedy and crisis, there is always the potential to emerge into a better place.
