We all know policing powers will not be returned by Christmas.
Peter's Robinson's claim that NI will not get control over policing and justice by Christmas is not exactly out of The Book of Revelations.
What Mr Robinson has said is simply stating the obvious.
It has been clear for a long time there are many hurdles procedurally before devolution takes place.
What is at stake here is whether The DUP intends firing the gun immediately to start the race.
Talk last week by the DUP leader of not yet being satisfied on the configuration of the financial package in play, on the need for confidence and consultation implied that that party is longfingering this issue or is incapable of putting the matter to bed.
TUV leader Jim Allister argues he gave Mr Robinson 66,0000 reasons in the European election for 'putting a brake' on the return of policing and justice powers.
Gordon Brown is not interested in prevarication. He wants closure on this whole issue and that is why he feels it necessary to be here so soon.
What are we like as an Executive, if Peter Robinson and Martin Mc Guinness end up doing separate negotiations on these thorny subjects ?
Is it now a case of the unthinkable that this leadership is incapable of leading on any subject which requires intelligence, pragmatism and compromise ?
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