The case of the four people accused of involvement in an alleged IRA spy ring at Stormont is the single most politically significant prosecution facing the Northern Ireland judicial system.
Whether it results in convictions, acquittals, or even the dropping of charges, the outcome will have enormous implications for the entire political process.
It must therefore be a matter of considerable concern that a full year has now passed since the four defendants first appeared in court.
Although all four have been granted bail, they have yet to be given any firm indication about a trial date.
This is an unsatisfactory state of affairs, which needs to be addressed by the authorities.
The courts need to be given an early opportunity to assess the evidence against the defendants, who are denying all the charges, and any further lengthy delays would be alarming.
