In the end it was something of an anti-climax.
You had to ask why Shaun Woodward made such energetic efforts to become involved and why on earth George Bush phoned David Cameron to try and twist Sir Reg Empey's arm.
Even up to lunchtime the government was at it.
The Prime Minister phoned the Ulster Unionist leader just a couple of hours before the vote and urged him to change him his mind.
There was no chance, as the Secretary of State's intervention on Monday had left the UUP MLAs so angry they considered calling on the Secretary of State to resign.
When it came to the vote all 17 UUP MLAs present voted against the devolution move. Robert Coulter was in London picking up a gong at Buckingham Palace.
The DUP leader delivered his team as well. The Rev William McCrea the only absentee being at a funeral in Cookstown.
One DUPer said to me it was all pretty impressive.
''No snowmen here,'' he said.
The Sinn Fein leadership was well pleased, while the SDLP members made their point and voted for the motion.
But perhaps the biggest winner was David Ford who will be justice minister on April 12, barring any serious mishaps.
The SDLP are holding a press conference on Wednesday morning to announce a Westminster candidate.
I wonder will my old chum Fearghal McKinney be there?
Views: 1502
© UTV News