"Sinn Féin is playing a blinder!" That was the reaction one person gave to me as we casually discussed the party's approach to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
And it is not hard to reach that conclusion. In its tributes to the Queen, the republican party has been cordial and respectful.
Ten years ago it would have been unthinkable to see Sinn Féin describing the late monarch as a "courageous and gracious leader".
