When Sinn Féin's concerns, reservations and demands are stripped away, a stark reality emerges: there will never be a better time for it to make the transition to a fully functioning democratic party by supporting the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Having made that seismic shift, all of the political pressure will come on the Democratic Unionist Party to participate in a power-sharing Executive, rather than see the two governments introduce new partnership arrangements for the administration of Northern Ireland.
It is something of a cliché to describe fundamental political change as being "tantalisingly close". But that is the truth. And the primary element that inhibits progress is a deeply ingrained suspicion between the parties involved. That distrust has given rise to internal political pressures and to conflicting demands that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British prime minister Tony Blair have worked extremely hard to mediate and resolve. There is, however, some distance to go.
Later today, Mr Blair will issue a letter concerning the future role of MI5 in Northern Ireland, as being distinct and separate from civil policing. Such a gesture is intended to strengthen the position of Mr Adams in advance of a special ardfheis that may be called to change the party's stance on policing. In spite of that, the Sinn Féin leader continues to prevaricate at the final constitutional hurdle. He has referred the issue back to the ardcomhairle for further consideration in the context of the DUP's response to Sinn Féin demands.
In an article for this newspaper, Mr Blair expressed the view that the DUP would share power with Sinn Féin on March 26th if that party endorsed policing and actively encouraged full co-operation with the criminal justice system. Furthermore, he believed the DUP would accept the terms of the St Andrews Agreement on the devolution of policing and justice powers. To do otherwise, he said, would waste a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make lasting peace. In the same vein, Mr Ahern warned that a collapse of the process would be inexcusable and a huge tragedy.
The DUP has declined to offer the public assurances demanded by Sinn Féin, insisting it will not treat with that party while it refuses to recognise and support the police. Should that occur, however, the DUP insists it will not be found wanting. And Dr Paisley has acknowledged a willingness to become first minister.
Sinn Féin is seeking commitments in terms of deadlines for powersharing and the devolution of policing and justice arrangements. But Sinn Féin, more than most, should know that such demands can be a recipe for political deadlock, while deadlines themselves have little meaning.
Mr Adams got it right on policing last week when he said: "I think this is the right thing to do and this is the right time to do it." Sinn Féin must make a leap of political faith. Then the DUP has no excuse.