North's traditional tribes mirror Europe's nationalist politics

Northern Secretary James Brokenshire faces long days and nights ahead of November 6 deadline

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire. Pic: Getty

James Brokenshire has had a bit of a frustrating year really. While his colleagues in government have had their heads wrecked with the Brexit nightmare, he has had his own nightmare; a unique experience, battling with the nationalist Nationalists and the nationalist Unionists while both literally vie to pull the heart out of the 20-year old peace deal.

Each side has been strutting its stuff, constantly battling for the first word, or the ...