I haven't looked into this (lately) at all, beyond reading & posting the above article. But my provisional (you should pardon the expression) assumption is that it all has at least *something* to do with First Minister Trimble's ongoing efforts to stave off the surging Paisleyites, electorally. He's gotta look Tough. To save his Arse. Upon the survival of which less-than-attractive political appendage, the Good Friday Agreement does unfortunately seem to depend.

And now, I shall conclude (for the moment:) & make way for somebody (anybody!) who knows what s/he is talking about. Come all ye Norn Iron 'Cats, and enlighten us. What in the Divil is going on?