Four key takeaways from the Drumcree dispute so far

As steep learning curves go, this one was off the scale. Less than three months into the job, Sir Chris Bryant has had to make what will be the biggest decision of his time in Northern Ireland. He will be forever remembered as the first secretary of state to ban what was a legal Orange parade.

But he says he was left with no option in the interest of peace. The police had already ruled out forcing the parade through and when negotiations broke down, he had to step in. The secretary of state had the power to act alone, but it was politically easier to have the cover of a police request.

Though making such a significant announcement late on Friday night was not ideal. He clearly wants to move on with Westminster returning from recess on Monday and legacy legislation to be fast tracked through the Commons. But the legacy of his Drumcree decision will follow him for some time and will likely scupper any hope he had of fostering good relations with unionists.

It could have been a moment of great jeopardy for power-sharing at Stormont. The moment when the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) bowed to pressure and effectively collapsed the Executive. But the party moved quickly to remove that threat within hours of the Orange parade being banned from the Garvaghy Road.

Party leader Gavin Robinson insisted they "will not sacrifice the stability of Northern Ireland and plunge it into further crisis". To do so, he said, would allow "Sinn Féin an escape route from the spotlight and accountability". For the DUP, pulling down the institutions was high risk with an election on the horizon.

History shows parties who walk away from Stormont pay a heavy price at the polls. Especially before a budget is agreed to approve public sector pay rises thus avoiding strikes. The DUP has opted instead to keep the focus on potential lawbreaking by Sinn Féin ministers.

It allows for more tough talking in the chamber even though the punishment if convicted will result in fines. Though some in the DUP question if the institutions can be "sustainable" if First Minister Michelle O'Neill and her executive colleagues are found to have broken the law. That will be a calculation for another time and much will depend on the proximity of polling day.

But the Drumcree dispute has delivered for Sinn Féin. It provided the platform to supercharge its election campaign and helped deflect from questions around delivery at Stormont. Though the court ruling clearing the way for the A5 has eased some pressure on the party.

But it delivered on its promise to residents to ensure no parade down the Garvaghy Road. In truth any prosecutions they may face for standing with residents will be viewed by many within the party as a badge of honour.