I suppose anyone that thought the DUP honestly wanted to share government with republicans/nationalists is deluding themselves.

The talks in Scotland last week did show some promise until the DUP began to add other demands to their wish list. Some of these were totally unrealistic and faded out.

The DUP are trying everyones patience, Tony Blair finds the man impossible to deal with. I remenber John Major lost his temper with him at a meeting and called a name ! Paisley walked out of the meeting.

There is a chance the DUP may move forward once Ian Paisley retires, the other members of the party had very little to say last week.

The true facts of the situation is the DUP don't want catholic backsides in government. Their grass roots voter is very anti catholic let alone anti republican, visit one of their websites. They have been driven to these talks by the British government.

Sinn Fein have put their ass in a sling to get the talks to this stage. They convinced hardened republicans to turn their back on the armed struggle and said they would deliver. Sadly the DUP are blocking progress at every step. So Sinn Fein are the ones who have to answer to those republicans.

Sinn Fein WILL join the policing board, that was always the sticking point for the DUP. Now they got an assurance on that, they moved the goal posts.

Please understand that all of this is a very big step for republicans, some here can scoff if they like, it doesn't bother me. What more can republicans do, alternative ?