The Irish News view: The waffle from the DUP about the Protocol is in stark contrast to the clarity and simplicity of the public sector workers' message about fair pay

In a week which saw the life continue to be steadily squeezed out of Stormont by the dead hand of the DUP boycott, it was left to frustrated and angry public sector workers to inject some much-needed energy and focus into our politics.

Thursday’s day of industrial action, which involved tens of thousands of trade union members, could well be the first of a series of similar protests. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Nipsa have warned that unless there is action on pay awards, further action will be taken.

It is appalling that workers should feel the need to strike for fair wages. The prospect of more, not to mention larger, stoppages should alarm the DUP in particular.

The DUP has become so lost in their own labyrinth of red lines, five point plans and seven arbitrary tests that they give the impression of no longer remembering where they started, let along where they want to go

Chris Heaton-Harris, the secretary of state, has thus far been the lightning rod for workers’ anger. His background as a qualified football referee means a union protest outside the NIO’s Belfast office probably isn’t the first time he has had uncomplimentary chants directed towards him.

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However, there is nothing to suggest that a largely absent and indifferent English MP whose party is facing electoral wipe-out this year will be persuaded that he should sort out the pay awards.

It is not difficult to imagine, then, how discontent could become more firmly focused on Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his party.

The waffle from the DUP about the Protocol and the Windsor Framework is in stark contrast to the clarity and simplicity of the workers’ message: they want better pay, and they want it now.

The DUP, meanwhile, have become so lost in their own labyrinth of red lines, five point plans and seven arbitrary tests that they give the impression of no longer remembering where they started, let along where they want to go.

Wednesday’s recall of the Assembly demonstrated both the haplessness and hopelessness of the DUP. The party is split, Sir Jeffrey can’t decide whether to return to Stormont, changes to the framework are a mirage, public services are collapsing and faith in politics as a means to deliver change and improve lives has evaporated.

The Assembly meeting fizzled out in a cloud of pessimism and a worrying but growing sense that it may not return. Mr Heaton-Harris is to set out what happens next. But the decisions he makes should be taken in Belfast, and not London, and it is the DUP which has given him that power.