Yesterday was a significant day in our democratic process - the counting of votes and the declaration of those elected to the new assembly.
It was a day which contained some some surprises, the stunning success of People Before Profit's Gerry Carroll topping the poll in the Sinn Féin stronghold of West Belfast by a considerable margin just one of the headlines while the loss of some familiar faces marked the changing tide of the political process.
However, a day which demonstrated democracy in action and a look towards our future was overshadowed by a horrific murder attempt which echoed the darkest days of our past.
Scott McHugh (28) was shot four times at a house in Distillery Street in west Belfast yesterday morning and was fortunate to survive this determined bid to kill him.
This shooting is being linked to the murder a year ago of leading republican Gerard `Jock' Davison, gunned down near his home in the Markets area of the city.
Associates of Mr Davison are believed to have murdered former IRA prisoner Kevin McGuigan in August last year, a killing that almost caused the collapse of the power-sharing structures.
Mr McHugh, who has been questioned twice about the murder of Jock Davison and subsequently released unconditionally, was targeted a day after the senior republican's first anniversary and clearly this link will provide a key line of inquiry for detectives.
It is disturbing to think that at a time when people were going to the polls and engaging in a political process aimed at cementing peace and stability for all, those still wedded to violence were plotting to go out and take a man's life.
If nothing else, such a despicable crime should underline the importance of making politics work, of creating a society where people do not need to worry about a gunman turning up on their doorstep.
There will be a fear that this latest shooting will lead to further bloodshed.
It is vital that anyone with any influence on the factions involved in this feud urge an end to the violence.
Equally, anyone who can help the police make urgent progress on apprehending those responsible for the attempted murder of Mr McHugh as well as the killing of Mr Davison and Mr McGuigan, must come forward.
This past couple of days have highlighted the stark contrast that faces us in Northern Ireland, between democracy and violence.
It is clear from the election results that the majority of people want to pursue the peaceful, political path.
Stormont may be far from perfect but it is a world better than the law of the gun.
