Henry Hill: If Stormont collapses, what happens to the ‘consent mechanism’ on the Protocol?

The EU insisted on setting aside the Province’s usual requirements for cross-community support. That could have consequences.

Henry Hill: Could the fallout from the Protocol yet split the DUP?

Poots has purged Foster’s old team and nominated an ex-spad as First Minister. These do not suggest confidence.

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: 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: Ministers might face a tricky task finding a one-nation route to easing lockdown

It may prove easier to maintain coordination when imposing the rules than easing them, especially if regional variegation is called for.

Henry Hill: Sturgeon abandons bid for 2020 independence referendum due to epidemic

Also: schools and businesses shut down across the nation; DUP slammed in ‘cash-for-ash’ report; and Salmond’s trial continues.

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: 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.

Henry Newman: May’s deal could be saved with prompt improvements – such as a Stormont lock

Giving Northern Ireland a say over the introduction of new EU laws would at least introduce a measure of democracy into the system.

Lee Reynolds: What the Belfast Agreement does and doesn’t say about the UK-Ireland land border – and much else

It doesn’t support the EU and Irish Government narratives that are being pushed as part of the Brexit negotiations.

Henry Hill: Salmond quits the SNP and takes Scottish Government to court

Also: Government accused of ‘appeasing the IRA’ over Ulster veterans; Welsh Labour leadership hopefuls in data row; and DUP urge end to Stormont boycott.

The people and locally-elected politicians must decide. Bradley’s letter to Tory MPs on abortion in Northern Ireland. Full text.

“What is clear however is that even amongst proponents of reform there is currently no consensus on what that reform should entail.”

Twenty years on, the Belfast Agreement’s devolution model isn’t working

Evidence is mounting that the Assembly simply doesn’t – and perhaps can’t – deliver good government consistently. But the deal which founded it is treated as holy writ.

Why Northern Ireland’s talks collapsed. Sinn Fein’s red line was too green for the DUP.

Even if the DUP and Sinn Fein could persuade their communities to back the compromises necessary, they have not done so.

Henry Hill: Talk of direct rule as top civil servant redeploys to Northern Ireland

Also: May wades into Scottish flag row; Liberal Democrat accused of costing taxpayers thousands to prop up Jones; and DUP dismiss legal threat to £1 billion deal.