The tensions which have been evident beneath the surface within the DUP for some time were out in the open for all to see yesterday.
Deputy leader Peter Robinson led a party delegation during discussions in Belfast with President Bush's special envoy, Ambassador Richard Haass, and stressed afterwards how positive the meeting had been.
Mr Robinson spoke of his determination to get the DUP's message across and said his party had always been treated with respect by Mr Haass.
However, DUP leader Ian Paisley declined to take part in the delegation and headed to Brussels instead.
Mr Paisley, ludicrously, accused Mr Haass of being favourable to the IRA and said he viewed the attitude of the US government representative as being 'totally disgraceful'.
It is hard to imagine how two more different approaches could possibly be reconciled within the leadership of the same party.
Mr Robinson has taken up extremist positions in the past, but now clearly seems set on a course to the political mainstream.
Mr Paisley, even though he now leads the largest party in Northern Ireland, appears content to shout insults from the sidelines.
It will be fascinating to discover which strategy prevails in the DUP over the coming months.
