I spoke too soon. I thought the ministerial agreement on Peter Robinson's final budget signalled a truce in the executive civil war and an end, albeit temporary, to the period of "opposition within". But tonight the SDLP signalled that, notwithstanding Margaret Ritchie's extra £200 million for affordable housing, the Assembly group intends to vote against the budget tomorrow. In fact, after some procedural wrangling over an SDLP amendment not being taken, they ended up voting tonight against the programme for government. Other Executive parties argue this leaves Ms Ritchie in an untenable position, but the SDLP says that whilst the ministerial rules mean she must back the budget there is nothing to stop her colleagues walking into the opposition lobby. So the civil war continues.
The DUP's Jim Wells is jubilant because Sinn Fein's Claire McGill referred to "Northern Ireland" not the "6 counties" in her speech in the Programme for Government debate today. But nationalists pointed out that one of Mr Wells' DUP colleagues had previously talked about the "6 counties". Mr Wells joked that the Strangford MLA "was being dealt with" and was now "heavily bandaged". At the time of writing, I am not sure which of the DUP Strangford representatives is in plaster, but I am sure we can establish this before too long.
Answering questions on the warm homes scheme and other Social Development topics, Margaret Ritchie looked warm and cosy herself in a magnificent woollen jacket with an exuberant fur collar. Perhaps she was sending out a subliminal message about the need for insulation. I couldn't tell whether the fur was real, but I am sure Jim Shannon will advise me.
At one point Ms Ritchie was questioned about affordable housing and she talked about designating Seymour .... for special treatment. There was an audible intake of breath amongst MLAs before the minister clarified that she was talking about Seymour Hill in Lisburn "not that particular Seymour".
On which topic a statement is expected from Arlene Foster on the Giants' Causeway visitor centre tomorrow. So watch this space.
I'm 
