I read it as Gove putting pressure on the DUP to back May's deal - cuz I think they've got used to striding around in their big ole boots, and a more emphatic rule from Westminster will sure put a crimp in that particular style of footwear. It'll mean they're not the biggest kids on the block anymore. And their pet bribemaster will most likely not be leader for much longer, so no help there. Ooooops.

Foster also needs to ponder long and hard about her party's chances, come local election time, if she throws their farmers and small businesses under the bus via a threat of no-deal (which would also increase the likelihood of a border poll).

I see that she's actually spoken to Varadkar - ah, the power of St Paddy's Day in Amerikay...

So Gove may just be putting the frighteners on her. And she IS making softer noises now than in days of yore.

Still... Michael. Gove. As greased an eel as they come.