Times have certainly changed. We have known since 2022 that Sinn Féin had secured the first minister’s post, but Saturday’s events at Stormont still had potency.

There was a touch of Disney about it. Michelle O’Neill, restored to her rightful place, forgave those who tried to thwart her. Although “bridesmaid” Emma Little-Pengelly hadn’t auditioned before the electorate, the director’s favourite got the part anyway; and she read her lines well. Deposed King Poots was restored to glory, to the delight of dinosaurs everywhere.

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Even a wicked witch appeared. Channelling Maleficent, Jim Allister enunciated his curse with the bluster of a ham actor who thinks he has a leading role but doesn’t even merit a listing on the credits.

(Note to BBC –........

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