The catholic nationalist party Sinn Fein has become the strongest force in the elections in Northern Ireland.
However, the victory was not so convincing that the Protestant side had immediate fears for the unity of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
And yet the largest Protestant party initially refuses to form a new regional government.
The Democratic Unionists (DUP) would have to nominate a candidate for the post of Deputy Prime Minister.
But they only want to do that if the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiated between the EU and London is changed.
Fear of Irish unification
It would be good if the DUP finally acknowledged that in Northern Ireland (unlike England and Wales) there has never been a majority for leaving the EU.
Second, the party would have to recognize that a blockade would only bring the moment closer, which many Protestants fear even more than the difficulties the Northern Ireland Protocol has created for the province's economy in its contacts with the rest of Britain.
Those who want to stay in the EU will probably sooner or later get used to the idea of uniting Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland.
The seeds of Brexit are beginning to sprout.
Its supporters just don't want to admit it.