So, after futtering around for a few weeks, Alliance is taking the plunge.
David Ford made the announcement in the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings surrounded by his party colleagues.
The party says the conditions are now right to put forward a candidate for Justice Minister.
The Alliance leader would not say who it would be but clearly Mr Ford himself is the man.
He received public backing from his party colleagues and it would be a major surprise if any other name was put forward.
"It's likely to be me", Mr Ford told reporters at Stormont, "and I'll be recommending that to my colleagues and we will be discussing it because we're a democratic party."
He said a decision would be taken on Monday at the assembly group meeting.
He also made it clear the Alliance Party would be fully involved in the work of the executive if it gained the job.
Mr Ford made his point taking a swipe at the SDLP and Ulster Unionists.
So another piece of the jigsaw is in place but a few major headaches remain.
There is no sign of any softening in the Ulster Unionist position and concern is growing in government circles.
On the parades issue, a key committee meeting of the Orange Order next Monday is likely to be crucial.
With the 9 March vote approaching fast, expect much activity over the next ten days or so.
As one government source said to me ''the ball isn't in the net yet and let's hope it is not an own goal''.
The reality is the prospect of an early assembly election has not gone away.
Meanwhile, Lady Sylvia Hermon is issuing a statement saying she will take time before deciding her next course of action.
The smart money says if she stands as an independent in North Down she will be hard to stop.
Don't expect any stiff opposition from the DUP or Alliance in that constituency.
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