As the world watched the conflict in Afghanistan, the squabbling continued at Stormont. The Assembly discussed Sinn FΘin's exclusion from government and everyone was in fighting form.
The UUP leader David Trimble said that while the Stormont debate was very important, it was "taking place against the backdrop of another conflict, a greater conflict". Northern Ireland must show "solidarity" with the British and US armed forces, he said.
The Provisional IRA had been given ample opportunity to deliver on decommissioning. They hadn't done so and Sinn FΘin must now be excluded from government, he said.
Gerry Adams said his party had bent over backwards for the peace process. It had changed its policies and its constitution.
"What about the murders?" shouted the DUP's Sammy Wilson. The DUP was against Catholics, democracy and change, said Mr Adams. "We're against murderers," yelled Mr Wilson.
The Sinn FΘin president noted the DUP's delight in attending Stormont. "Essentially, the DUP's big problem is that there are Fenians about the place and that we are Fenians who are unrepentant," he said.
"Is that your Colombian vision?" asked Mr Wilson.
Mr Adams quoted from his graveside orations. "As I said at the burial place of Tom Williams, there are brave people on all sides of each conflict. There are brave people in the British forces, in the loyalist forces, and among those who fought on the Irish republican side. We have that shared past and I urge unionists to think again."
The Rev Ian Paisley said the British government hadn't begged the Taliban to hand over Osama bin Laden, it had demanded it. A similar stance should be adopted with Sinn FΘin over decommissioning, he said.
There were 56 votes for the DUP motion to exclude Sinn FΘin and 45 against. The proposal failed because of SDLP opposition - cross-community support is needed for motions.