In the old days we all used to pore over ambiguous IRA statements trying to determine their meaning. Today we have this from the UDA, in the run up to Margaret Ritchie's decommissioning deadline.
"The UDA has always intended, as part of the continued process of consultation with its membership, and has agreed a course of action and a timetable for those actions. It will adhere to that timetable, no more and no less. Quis Separabit."
Are they being deliberately delphic? Or are there some words missing?
Well, will he or won't he? As Gordon Brown continues to prevaricate about calling an election, our local politicians have no option but to prepare for an election none of them seem enthusiastic about. I've just recorded Inside Politics with the Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey. Last time the UUP plummeted from 6 seats to only 1. can things get any worse for them this time?
We discuss the chances of a pact with the DUP, maybe taking in Fermanagh South Tyrone and South Belfast, and the longer term prospects for a merger between the two parties.
He also deals with the further education lecturers' pay dispute, tensions between students and locals in Belfast's Holyland and who lobbied him over the Giants' Causeway in the days when he was Tourism Minister.
Inside Politics is on, as usual, at 12.45 on BBC Radio Ulster.
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