Published Monday, 01 February 2010
I was told the heavy lifting had taken place over the weekend and a deal was on the cards.
''Just a few loose ends to tie up and we'll have the PMs in Hillsborough in the afternoon,'' one usually reliable source told me.
But as always in this process life is not that easy.
Peter Robinson returned to Stormont to talk to his assembly party.
The talking went on most of the day.
Eventually at 6pm on the dot he came down the stairs with many of his MLAs to announce that while much progress had been made, there still issues to clarify.
Clearly he believes he must keep his party united particularly when it comes to selling the deal.
Sinn Fein were clearly frustrated but played down any sense of crisis.
More talks followed both in Stormont and then at Hillsborough.
The game is still on but frustration is evident.
A deal soon ?
Maybe.