So which is the real story?

Brian Cowen met Martin McGuinness yesterday. Afterwards as Eamonn Mallie reports on Slugger the North’s Deputy First Miniter said:

“The Taoiseach and I agreed that there can be no pre-conditions on the transfer of policing and justice powers. What is required is a date to be agreed prior to Christmas for the transfer to take place and to take effect early in the New Year.“

Interestingly no other outlet appears to have picked up on these remarks. The Irish Times website for example reports that after a special cabinet meeting Mr Cowen said it is up to religious organisations and their members to determine the “appropriateness” of individuals to hold ecclesiastical office.

Many will be bemused that Mr McGuinness is now speaking for the Taoiseach.

South of the border it is clear that there is little interest in the latest DUP - Sinn Fein spat. Child abuse and the recession are what most Irish people seem concerned about.

This is something SF should factor into their thinking as they load up for another round of russian roulette with the political process.  Part of the reason we are in this pickle is because they allowed the DUP to introduce new preconditions to the devolution of policing and justice last year.

Better to stop digging, take a rest and have a think, when the hole just keeps getting deeper.