Why Poots has departed and what it means

Successive Secretaries of State have preferred to bribe the local parties back to the table than to govern. This must change.

Henry Hill: Why Foster’s exit most likely signals an even harder line against the Protocol from the DUP

A united front against the sea border might be their best chance – regardless of the headaches it causes in Dublin, Brussels, or London.

Henry Hill: Gove’s challenge – what if the Protocol ends up threatening the peace in Northern Ireland?

The problem with conjuring the threat of republican terrorism to oppose a land border is the signal it sends to their loyalist counterparts.

Henry Hill: Sturgeon’s timeline on Salmond scandal called into question as MSPs demand evidence

Also: true scale of the Irish Protocol’s impact on commerce, and Stormont’s ‘rank incompetence’, show how Ulster unionism needs a refresh.

Henry Hill: The public want UK-wide rules for Christmas, but we’re a long way from a ‘Four Nations’ approach

The different administrations are all in different places with increasing bad blood between them. Also, devosceptics look set to win seats in Wales.

Graham Gudgin: Has Johnson kept his promises on Northern Ireland?

The Prime Minister has avoided some of the potential dangers, but nonetheless introduced a border inside the United Kingdom.

Sturgeon, Wales, the shutdown row – and why a Four Nations policy is no substitute for a One Nation policy

The unique circumstances of the pandemic temporarily forged a common response, but cracks are already appearing and will only deepen.

John Hayes: The plan to impose abortion on demand on Northern Ireland by the end of this month – and why it should be stopped

To respect devolution, the UK Government must not impose such a drastic development on the Province. Is this a test run for England?

Jonathan Caine: It’s time for Sinn Fein to act decisively and leave the IRA behind

It’s deeply disturbing for many that a modern European democracy might shortly be led by a party that continues to have its strategy overseen by an Army Council.

Henry Hill: Carlaw kicks off comprehensive policy review to take the fight to the SNP

Also: Plaid fined almost £30,000 for misreporting donations worth half a million pounds; Labour hopefuls sing from devolution’s tattered hymnal; and more.

Smith’s dismissal is Johnson’s second chance to take the Union with Northern Ireland seriously

Grasping this nettle will involve appointing someone prepared to be considerably less popular with sections of the gallery than was their predecessor.

Ed McGuinness: Why the Conservatives should run in Northern Ireland – and why they can win

Ulster’s major parties are failing to adapt to a changing electoral landscape, creating an opportunity for a new, more practical politics.

Henry Hill: Johnson to spearhead pro-Union strategy with more visits to Scotland

Also: Spotlight on the literal handful of MPs providing Stormont’s entire opposition; and Scottish Tories offer a budget deal to the SNP.

Mark Francois: Johnson must keep his promises on Northern Ireland veterans – not sacrifice them to satisfy Sinn Fein

The Prime Minister pledged to defend those who defended us. I believe him.

Henry Hill: New decade, old story? Smith’s Stormont deal under fire from Tory MPs and Ulster parties

Also: Scottish Conservative leadership candidates set out how they’ll take the fight to the SNP; Jack says no referendum re-run in Sturgeon’s lifetime.