The North's First Minister Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness finally made it back onto these shores this week, but not before several failed attempts to do so.

It seems both men were anxious in the past few months to come back to America, especially Robinson, who is making the trip for the first time as first minister.

But Paula Dobriansky, the U.S. special envoy to Ireland, would have none of it until the two had settled their differences.

Dobriansky actually played a key behind-the-scenes role in the eventual settlement a couple of weeks back, and her insistence that there would be no "lap of honor" in America until the business was settled was an important part of that.

Robinson, unlike many Unionist politicians, is a devotee of all things American.

He and his wife vacation in Florida most years and he has many American political contacts from his several visits here.

Now that the latest problems are over both men can expect a very warm welcome.

However, they will also learn that American patience has grown thin indeed in recent times when it comes to resolving differences in Northern Ireland. Both men deserve great credit for finally understanding that.

As for Dobriansky, it is possible that new Secretary of State Hillary Clinton may ask her to stay on as U.S. envoy. She has certainly done an extraordinary job.

Grimm Brothers

DON'T expect any "Chuckle Brothers" bonhomie between McGuinness and Robinson on this visit, however.

an Paisley and McGuinness got on so well that they well deserved that title. Robinson is a different kettle of fish, however.

Not for nothing have some commentators called the new tandem "The Brothers Grimm."

While Robinson and McGuinness are cordial with each other, we cannot expect the grip and grin and backslapping that was such an incredible part of the Paisley/McGuinness relationship.

Indeed, an hilarious muppet send up of the two on BBC Northern Ireland shows them sitting side by side with barbed wire and fences separating them in their offices.

That is pretty much how the relationship has been up until now. With Robinson still looking over his shoulder at possible hardline Unionist opposition, it is unlikely that the body language between the two men will change much.

However, Robinson is noted for his ability to get things done as a minister, and in the end the ins and outs of the relationship will be less important than securing the future in recessionary times for the North.