Is Tony Blair afraid of Mo Mowlam? Very possibly. Those observing the crisis Northern talks last week couldn't but notice the way she was sidelined by the prime minister. Indeed one participant said she was practically reduced to messenger-boy status during Blair's talks with Bertie Ahern.
David Trimble's recent call for her resignation was not a bolt from the blue. It was part of a building campaign which has seen Blair dealing with the unionists above her head and making her a lame duck Secretary of State by ensuring she lost their confidence.
Part of the reason may be that Mowlam is likely to leave Northern Ireland for London in next week's expected British cabinet reshuffle. Her huge popularity in Britain, which first became public at the Labour conference a year ago when she attracted more applause than Blair himself, no doubt grates with her boss. Hence, they say, he tried to take her down a peg or two last week. But what job will he give her? The senior posts she is said to want - the Home or Foreign Offices - are not available since Blair would be unable to shift either his friend Jack Straw from the former or Robin Cook from the latter. Health is seen as an option. And who will get the poisoned chalice of Northern Ireland? Junior minister Adam Ingram is mentioned, but he might go to Wales instead. There are rumours that Peter Mandelson will be the one. It would be an interesting way to rehabilitate him - and colourful for us.