There would be enormous regret if, as looks increasingly likely, an important coaching project for primary schools organised by Ulster GAA and the Irish Football Association becomes the latest victim of the political stalemate at Stormont.
The scheme has helped thousands of pupils at 450 schools across Northern Ireland to improve their sporting abilities and develop healthy lifestyles since it was introduced a decade ago.
However, as we reported yesterday, its funding is finally scheduled to run out next month because of the continuing suspension of our devolved institutions.
As relatively modest sums are involved, it must be hoped that civil servants can be provided with the legal authority to extend the grants for at least a further interim period.
