The DUP position is clear and consistent, in so far as they are pro-Brexit but totally opposed to the proposed Backstop. The Backstop, which, if invoked, would keep Northern Ireland aligned with some EU regulations to prevent the need for checks at the Irish border. But the DUP sees it as a step towards a United Ireland by potentially creating a regulatory wedge between Northern Ireland and Great Britain with a border down the Irish Sea. They are prepared to accept a hard(er) border between the North and the South to avoid this, and some in their ranks might even actively want it, to solidify Northern Ireland’s position within the UK.

Sinn Féin’s position is clear and consistent, in so far as they are anti-Brexit and totally in favour of the Backstop. They are not prepared to accept any hardening of the border between the North and the South but would welcome any hardening of any border down the Irish Sea to weaken Northern Ireland’s position within the UK.

The DUP pursue their pro-Brexit policy and resolutely British identity within Westminster, irrespective of the fact that the majority of people in Northern Ireland voted to remain and ignore the fact that roughly one half of the Northern Ireland population identifies as Irish.

Sinn Féin pursues its anti-Brexit policy and resolutely Irish identity outside Westminster, irrespective of the fact that constitutionally Northern Ireland is part of the UK and ignores the fact that roughly one half of the Northern Ireland population identifies as British.

Both the DUP and Sinn Féin are almost completely focused on issues of national identity and the Irish border, and are currently not showing much interest in protecting and expanding the Northern Ireland economy, the provision of jobs, developing infrastructure or improving services like health, housing or education.

The power-sharing Executive, in which they are both entitled to serve and address these pressing day-to-day issues, has not functioned for over two years, and was largely dysfunctional beforehand. In the meantime, we see a complete absence of constructive or purposeful dialogue between the two largest parties.

So, the DUP and Sinn Féin really have a lot in common, particularly in terms of attitudes, strategy and tactics: it is only their aims and objectives that differ.