Simon Harris not greeted at Stormont during first visit as taoiseach

Taoiseach Simon Harris (right) was not greeted, as is tradition, as he arrived at Stormont Castle

You wait ages for one taoiseach (Irish prime minister) to come along and then…

Actually, it was Simon Harris who did the waiting as he arrived for his big visit to Stormont Castle.

A few anxious moments followed. Shuffling, some nervous looks. Then he and an official went inside - ungreeted.

He later emerged with the first and deputy first ministers to stage the obligatory handshakes for the cameras at the second time of asking.

Less céad míle fáilte, and more céad míle fault.

Better late than never as the obligatory handshake photo takes place

After a week in which the Irish government studiously avoided a diplomatic war with the UK about people crossing the border, why would we expect Stormont to do any better when a much-heralded visitor came in the other direction?

A Stormont source said it is normal for official delegations to phone ahead to say they were imminent.

As excuses go it sounded, well, a little limp.

'Awkward'

Still let's move on to the questions. All three of them.

One for RTÉ, one for UTV and one for the Press Association.

When someone shouted a fourth, the three ministers turned on their heels and left unceremoniously.

That was another break with tradition.

The trio then answered questions from reporters gathered at Stormont Castle

Normally the problem is to get Irish ministers to stop answering questions.

But we were told this is what had been "agreed" with the Executive office.

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The Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie later described his meeting with Mr Harris as "grip and grin". Meaning it was perfectly pleasant, but brief.

A veteran correspondent described the whole event as "awkward".

Perhaps Mr Harris wanted to make his way back across the border before it's closed. Though perhaps not.

Just next time he's coming, let Stormont know - as well as the rest of us.