In both countries, the votes of both Labour and especially the Conservatives have been squeezed between the Brexiteers and the separatists.
Also: DUP urge Government to adopt more aggressive approach to EU negotiations; Cardiff Conservative councillor reinstated; and more.
Under international law, it can only be a temporary arrangement – and this must be put in explicit, legally binding, terms.
Also: Car bombing in Londonderry sparks concerns of ‘Brexit violence’ as SDLP announce partnership with Fianna Fail.
Also: Scottish and Welsh Labour re-admit AM and councillor in antisemitism rows; and SDLP look south to merger with major Republic party.
It doesn’t support the EU and Irish Government narratives that are being pushed as part of the Brexit negotiations.
Also: Pro-UK think-tanks torpedoes SNP’s economic case for independence; Plaid suffers ‘major rift’ as MP savages Wood; and more.
Crucially, opinion is not just divided between Leave and Remain, but between the Province and the mainland.
It looks to be the least bad medium-term means of settling the future of abortion laws in Northern Ireland.
Also: Border Force recruitment sparks fear of hard border for Wales; SDLP denies rumours that it will step aside for Fianna Fail; and more.
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.
If there’s to be no border in Ireland, and Britain is to leave the Customs Union and Single Market, it follows that there must be a customs border on the Irish Sea.
For all its compromises and ambiguities, it is the only practicable means to hand of giving the province something approaching normalcy.
Ireland’s displeasure is understandable. But it could prove counter-productive – working against the free trade deal that would suit it as well as the UK.
Ultimately, they may reveal less about Brexit and more about the longer-term trends in Northern Ireland’s political landscape.