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The Deputy First Minister has given an extensive interview to Belfast Telegraph today which is memorable on several counts.

Firstly, Martin McGuinness insists he is unconcerned about a picture of him from the 1970s brandishing a gun. The picture has been brandished of late by William Frazer of Fair. Mr McGuinness said he was focussed on building a better future. "The past is the past," he declared.

Secondly, he has high praise for the Conservative Shadow Secretary of State Owen Paterson who is in town today by the way. Mr Mcguinness describes the Conservative MP as a "straight talker" and suggests that his talks with Mr Paterson have left him with the impression there is considerable dismay within the Conservative Party about the UUP attitude to the transfer of policing and justice powers (a recent policy document suggested a five year timeframe for the transfer.)

Thirdly he says he's still friendly with Ian Paisley and they talk occasionally.

But he adds that one or two members of the SDLP don't talk to him. I wonder whooooooooooooooo?

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