There is something cynical about Cameron’s modernised, de-toxified, “we’ve changed” Tories getting into bed with the Northern Irish unionist parties.  By all means stand Conservative and Unionist candidates, but a readiness to do a back room deal with what remains a bigoted and sectarian political force is not something of which to be proud.  They are hardly ideological allies of the progressive, liberalising force in society that the modernised Tories claim to be.

The news that the Orange Order is trying to match-make between the UUP and DUP by convening secret “unity talks” should come as no surprise.  The Orangemen have played off the mainland parties for decades, trading their votes for favours.  If the Tories get outwitted again by the men in orange sashes don’t be surprised…