At least one small sign of hope emerged after yesterday (Tuesday) morning's despicable attack on the home of SDLP councillor Billy Leonard in Portstewart.
Paint bombs were thrown through the windows of Mr Leonard's house and a suspected explosive device, which turned out to be an elaborate hoax, was left outside.
Frequently, incidents of this nature are virtually ignored by the elected representatives of unionism.
Yesterday, the Democratic Unionist MP for the area, Gregory Campbell, turned up on Mr Leonard's doorstep to offer his support and condemn those responsible for the outrage.
Mr Campbell and Mr Leonard may disagree on a range of issues, but they share a common belief in constitutional politics and the rule of law and order.
By standing together in the aftermath of an act of violence, they sent out a powerful message to the shadowy figures who control paramilitary groups.
