The latest news item concerning the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has been her failure to organise a literal piss-up at a free bar, which is in many ways the most appropriate reflection of the reputation she has cultivated. There is an ever-growing list of incredulous things that she has said which, in normal circumstances, would cause any minister with a shred of self-awareness and decency to resign in disgrace.

In her defence, however, it seems clear that she is the most successful person to occupy the office of Secretary of State since Mo Mowlam, albeit in an entirely different way and with a personal style at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Mowlam was highly intelligent, compassionate, and utterly fierce to the point of fearlessness. Take a second here to consider the image of her, out of frustration, throwing her wig on the table during a protracted set of talks.

Bradley, on the other hand, has in interviews generally held an expression reminiscent of a Labrador whose owner has just pretended to throw a ball, and then concealed it behind their back. She is politically useless.

On that, we all seem to agree.

In February of last year, Alex Kane wrote an article for The Irish News, in which he stated that Northern Ireland was moving to times of “political endgame” as ordinarily SDLP moved to Sinn Féin, and Ulster Unionists moved to the DUP. Certainly the general election results of the year before reflected that, as well as the fact that we remain without devolved government.

Everyone from Eamonn McCann to Nigel Dodds has recognised on some level or other that Bradley has been utterly incompetent and has no excuse to remain in office. This is no mean feat, particularly when you consider that previously the only figures to unite republicans and unionists have been Cú ChulainnandGeorge Best.

The position of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has long been an afterthought of the British cabinet. The attitude towards the role was best summarised by Jim Hacker in Yes, Prime Minister when, responding to Bernard’s query of why his cabinet colleagues all wanted to oust him, said: “Because I’m the only one who can’t be sent to Northern Ireland.”

Traditionally, it was a punishment, but more recently it has been a testing ground for some bright young contender in the party and, if they prove successful enough, will be moved on to a ‘proper’ position. As was the case with Brockenshire, who was previously the pinnacle of incompetence, before Bradley said, “Hold my drink,” and proceeded to have the reception cancelled.

Bradley has remained in place purely because she is one of the few supporters of Theresa May, which really characterises the weakness of May’s ministry.

It should concern everyone, regardless of persuasion, that the British government appears to have so little interest and regard for Northern Ireland that Bradley has been able to stay in place for so long. But out of sheer desperation we can take solace in the rarity of a common cause for out enmity and disdain. For once, united in our anger.