The assembly was back yesterday, albeit not exactly by popular demand, following a long summer recess which is increasingly difficult to justify given the sheer scale of challenges facing MLAs.

The new term was accompanied by familiar pledges about delivery, promises which inevitably ring hollow given the dismal record of the devolved institutions over many years.

Executive ministers have always been comfortable when issuing announcements, publishing consultation papers or making general commitments about the economy or public services.

However, when it comes to action, the two biggest parties are more often than not either hopelessly at odds or simply lacking the will to follow through with unpopular decisions.

Aoife Moore: Those who use our national flag to intimidate know nothing about being Irish