Divisions within unionist parties have sharpened after a television debate on BBC Northern Ireland's The View last week. The leaders of the three main unionist parties clashed sharply, ending earlier talk of a united unionist front for next year's Assembly election.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows emerged relatively unscathed from the exchanges, according to observers. He has since launched a campaign promoting the positive case for the Union.

TUV leader Jim Allister directed personal criticism at DUP leader Gavin Robinson. Allister's approach has drawn mixed reaction, with some suggesting it may alienate unionist voters.

The conflict was sparked by the re-emergence of the Drumcree parade dispute. Thousands of Orange Order supporters gathered in Portadown to support those wishing to parade, while thousands of residents gathered on the Garvaghy Road in opposition. The issue remains unresolved and has reopened wounds from the past.

Unionist politicians have pointed the finger at Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill, but the reopened Drumcree issue has clearly damaged and divided unionism. A day of reckoning may come at next May's poll.

Deep divisions within the DUP have been laid bare. Some suggest that if opinion polls show a further drop in support, the Assembly could collapse again.

A Stormont committee also saw members from both communities in heated disagreement.

The political dysfunction continues to affect public services. Rural communities are campaigning for fair NHS access, public sector workers cannot get pay rises, and the Executive cannot set a budget. Many people have lost faith in Stormont's ability to deliver good government.