A brief meeting, but optics of first East-West gathering vital for the DUP

What mattered for party was that the body proposed by its leader met before the North South Council convened

Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris, First Minister Michelle O'Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Minister for Levelling Up Michael Gove meet on Tuesday. Pic: PA

Suzanne Breen

The optics of the inaugural meeting of the East-West Council in London were important for the DUP.

Emma Little-Pengelly with a hurl and Paul Givan céilí dancing impressed many outside the party’s grassroots, but the gig in Dover House was vital for its base.