Parky to the Rescue
Downing Street can sometimes produce great incongruities. One time I remember broadcasting on 91Èȱ¬ Radio Ulster's Evening Extra about the peace dividend, whilst a few yards in front of me the England soccer squad were filing in to Number Ten. Hard to concentrate on the details when you are staring at Nancy Dell'Olio in her finery.
Today I was scouring the street for any sign of Gerry Adams when a swish car deposited Sir Michael Parkinson at the shiny black door. I know dialogue is all important, but what would the chat show host bring to this attempt to break the log jam? Anyone who has survived being attacked by Rod Hull and Emu, I imagine, can hold their own in a tough negotiation.
I'd almost given up all hope of a glimpse of the Sinn Fein President when I spotted him around the back chatting on his mobile. He was some distance away, but when he spied our camera it was clear he wasn't interested in clarifying whether this latest episode is a real crisis, or just a sham fight.
Senior government sources are trying to calm things down expressing confidence that the parties will find a resolution. But with the DUP due in Downing Street later it's still far from certain what will happen in the Assembly on Thursday.
Stormont Spy - thanks for your questions many of which are very pertinent. However after three hours sleep and a 4:30 am alarm call they are making my head hurt. Keep them coming and if I get a moment to draw breath I shall do my best to answer them (although the answer to question number 1 is "I don't know, but wish I did").
I'm 
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