The population divides roughly 50/50 between wanting two different unions. That is still a recipe for trouble. The republicans stopped the bombings because they gained on the political arena and firmly believe - Gerry Adams reminded us yesterday - that history is on their side. But if that doesn't happen they will be pissed off.

If it does happen then you can understand that the other half will feel Carsonesque about joining a poorer more limited country which still hangs on to vestiges of old-style Papism.

So don't count your chickens that Ulster will be peaceful forever and aye.