Hi °C | Lo °C For some, the announcement by Peter Robinson that he is prepared to attend a Catholic service, in specific circumstances, will be a welcome and positive move.
To me, however, it is just another cynical ploy to garner middle-ground unionist votes.
Why does Peter Robinson have to tell us his intention? Did David Trimble give us months of notice before he went to the funerals of the Catholic victims of the Omagh bombing?
No. He just went. It was the right thing to do. It was part of his duty and he simply and quietly got on with it.
Compare David Trimble's actions to Peter Robinson's media-controlled approach.
If Peter Robinson had wanted to prove his 'First Minister for all' credentials, particularly in relation to the funerals of Catholics, he could have done so by now.
For instance, he could have gone to the funeral of Constable Carroll or Cardinal Daly, or even the funeral of Michaela Harte.
In my opinion, Peter Robinson will do anything for the correct headline or electoral advantage.
Personally, I would welcome Peter Robinson treating all the citizens of Northern Ireland the same - particularly in death.
But I don't want to see the First Minister turning personal tragedies into photo-opportunities, or cheap headlines.
