大象传媒

May 8th

• Mark Devenport
• 8 May 07, 09:16 AM

So it's arrived - restoration day. My colleague Jim Fitzpatrick is busy researching lines for his role presenting our special programme on air on 大象传媒1 Northern Ireland from 10:30 am. He's discovered that this was restoration day way back in 1660 when the Convention parliament declared that Charles II was the lawful King of England. Of course, that represented a victory for Cavaliers over Roundheads whereas here we have them in coalition.

For the DUP, today's events have been tinged with sadness with the premature death of George Dawson, known for his evangelical principles and business acumen. On his way into the building, Ian Paisley told reporters it was a sad day but also a special day, which he hoped would pave the way towards peace and prosperity.

On his arrival, Martin McGuinness told the press they were about to witness "not hype but history". Echoes of the infamous Blair "hand of history" soundbite there. Will we ever witness the end of the era of awful alliteration?