Also: SNP plunged into fresh controversy over misleading claim about healthcare spending, whilst Kate Forbes gears up for an internal battle over the Scottish Government’s income tax plans.
Chris Heaton-Harris will probably call elections sooner rather than later, but another share of his department’s dwindling stock of credibility is lost.
It is worth remembering that the current backlash would be much worse had the Government not subsequently acted to unilaterally extend ‘grace periods’.
Meanwhile observers are already speculating about whether today’s performance will cost Douglas Ross his job.
Also: it looks like it will be a good day for Labour in both Wales and Scotland as Douglas Ross struggles to make headway.
If Conservatives don’t take the Opposition seriously, one can hardly blame them. And yet that could prove to be a big mistake.
Unlike the former Ulster Unionist leader, the new DUP one is set to stick with his voter and party base. But you never know.
A united front against the sea border might be their best chance – regardless of the headaches it causes in Dublin, Brussels, or London.
Also: Spotlight on the literal handful of MPs providing Stormont’s entire opposition; and Scottish Tories offer a budget deal to the SNP.
The DUP and UUP are struggling adapt to the Province’s changing political circumstances, and the Alliance are the main beneficiaries.
The DUP try to hold their position in the face of pro-Remain pacts whilst Sinn Féin try to unseat their leader and the smaller parties fight to regain Westminster representation.
The second piece in our new mini-series looks at the strange bedfellows and hard choices for unionists, nationalists, Leavers and Remainers alike.
More broadly, there is a lead for Irish unification of 46 per cent to 45 per cent – a statistical tie.
Among those who are set to vote for a party in the Assembly elections, we find Sinn Féin in the lead.