Every now and then something creeps up to remind you of just how horrible an endeavour politics is. Take for example the debate that has taken part in the chambers of Stormont today.
Northern Ireland face Greece tonight knowing that victory would mean qualification for a major tournament for the first time since 1986. Understandably, they're fairly excited about it north of the boarder. So excited that some genius on the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure decided the only thing for it was to introduce a motion wishing Michael O'Neill's side all the best.
Given that this is Northern Irish politics, a genius of even greater magnitude from Sinn Féin was having none of it. We'll let the BBC's Mark Simpson take it on from here.
Political football latest: DUP rejects bid by Sinn Féin to add Rep of Ireland team to motion wishing N Ireland football team success tonight
— Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) October 8, 2015
Football latest: DUP motion wishing NI well: passed. Sinn Féin motion wishing Republic well: passed (after unionists add Scotland to motion)
— Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) October 8, 2015
Stephen Balfour summed it all up rather well.
@BBCMarkSimpson What a bunch of helmets
— Stephen Balfour (@stephen_balfour) October 8, 2015
