Limp and lifeless. Sidelined and ignored. Getting the IRA to abandon their habits was never going to be easy. Persuading nationalists away from a united Ireland towards a more constructive agenda was always going to be a struggle. But today's Northern Ireland is a better place for our struggle.
Unionism is stronger too.
We cannot run away from the political struggle. Under the conference banner Making Government Work, Mr Trimble said that he was surprised by those who wanted a return to direct rule. Unionism sidelined, virtually ignored. Some think that being inside is outweighed by having Martin McGuinness as minister. That influence was hidden.