So, all the reports go, the DUP is looking for a six-week breather before heading into an executive with Sinn Féin. United Irelander is understandably unsure as to what's going on, whereas the commenters over on Slugger O'Toole are generally impressed with the DUP's machinations, but not entirely clear on why the machinations are happening in the first place. Well, my guess is that it's a stop gap, simply a method for avoiding a split right now or they're preparing the fanbase for joint-government or, as some commenters here point out, they want to save face. It's possible, however, that as we get closer to the Summer other issues will arise. Then the six week break will take on a different hue. I wonder if the DUP will end up (inadvertently?) using the break to bring things close enough to the marching season to try and extract some progress for Unionism then. After all, Paisley being First Minister and no march down the Garvaghy Road would be very hard for him to either swallow or explain. If this is going to be what's up his sleeve then we're in for some serious disruption to governance in Northern Ireland since someone, presumably in No. 10, would have to override the Parades Commission's most likely ruling. And that kick in the face for the rule of law would both undermine the bits of pieces of dialogue that are going on between the Orange Order and local communities across the region and embolden extremists on both sides of the community. It's still most likely that there's little in the way of strategic nous in the six week move, but if there is then I'd bet this was it. And what a high price that would be for us all in Northern Ireland to pay. Update: Now that I read over this I think I'm talking rubbish. I doubt very much that there's a conspiracy afoot (and have adjusted the above to reflect that). Still, the stability of the executive over the marching season will be difficult to maintain. As will the neutrality of the Parades Commission in a DUP-led Northern Ireland. Unless the DUP decide that the Marching Commission makes for a convenient whipping boy and a good way of avoiding political confrontation over marching. I must write a coherent post on this...