The Ulster Unionists conference in Newcastle, Co Down, last weekend was the most progressive and good humoured for years. Observers were greatly cheered. Leader David Trimble made a jokey remark. Speaking of NorthSouth co-operation he said "the difficulties usually come from the South - as evidenced by Dublin reneging on the tourist logo".
It was all so relaxed that there was even chat in the bars as to which of them, if any, would get invited to the presidential inauguration of fellowNortherner Mary McAleese in Dublin Castle. Trimble was probably out - he didn't like her when he lectured her in law at Queen's (at one stage she got a job he wanted and he has tabled questions in the House of Commons about her appointment as a pro vice-chancellor of Queen's). Ken Maginnis and Chris McGimpsey, politicians known for being vocal on, and not entirely ill-disposed towards, the Republic, are probably out too as both have said her candidacy was a bad thing. The one who may make it, though, is that maverick John Taylor who has backed her.
As for the other side of the divide, do not expect to see Sinn Fein MPs Gerry Adams or Martin McGuinness at the castle as Adams nearly scuppered the McAleese campaign. As well as the great and the good in the Republic, Oireachtas members, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps and so on, the SDLP will be on the list and expect an endless string of churchmen, of all persuasions. If Prof McAleese has discretion over some of the invitations, will she start her bridge-building by inviting some of the unionists? It would be the first time for David Trimble to meet Bertie Ahern since he became Taoiseach.