HOW much should Stormont politicians discuss international affairs, a subject completely beyond their remit?

It might be unreasonable to expect a vow of silence, but nor should we ignore the tensions raised and time wasted by arguments that can achieve nothing else.

Sinn Féin and the DUP’s latest foreign fall-out is over UK government security briefings on Iran and the middle east, attended by Emma Little-Pengelly but not by Michelle O’Neill.

The Sinn Féin first minister did not participate in the virtual meetings because she considers British foreign policy to be beneath her, rather than above her pay grade.

Alex Kane: Nationalism has missed its moment on Irish unity

However, she did not prevent the DUP deputy first minister from attending – a veto each first minister holds over the other.

On the contrary, Ms Little-Pengelly was described as representing their joint office.

So it seems there is an agreement to disagree. It is clearly frosty: Ms Little-Pengelly says she received no explanation from her Sinn Féin counterpart. Nevertheless, it points to a way forward.

Both parties have taken the same approach to St Patrick’s Day at the White House, where Ms Little-Pengelly will again represent The Executive Office.

The DUP........

© The Irish News