It was a chilly and blustery day as the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Labour leader came to Northern Ireland for talks on the Protocol.
Almost a year since power-sharing collapsed over the disputed Brexit treaty, could this be a sign of winds of change - or simply more storm clouds brewing?
The arrival of three political big hitters on the same day certainly added to hopes that something could be in the offing after many months of deadlock.
Read more: Analysis: Not so clever from UK government as Sinn Fein snub overshadows Foreign Secretary visit
There was a flurry of activity at Stormont Hotel as party delegations spoke to the press after bilateral meetings with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and separately Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
But while there was plenty of renewed optimism and warm words, nothing concrete emerged to suggest any immediate breakthrough.
Speaking to the assembled press pack in Belfast, Mr Varadkar said European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had asked for "confidentiality" as their negotiations continue with the UK.
It was his first visit to Northern Ireland since returning to the role as Taoiseach following a swap with Micheál Martin, who was clearly still adjusting to the change.
Mr Martin, who met with Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris, repeatedly referred to Mr Varadkar as "Tánaiste" as he spoke to reporters before correcting himself with a smile.
The row over Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald's exclusion from talks with the Foreign Secretary the previous day remained a talking point, as Mr Heaton-Harris offered a new explanation.
He said it may not have been "wise" to include a "representative of a parliament in an EU member state" in the talks with James Cleverly about the protocol.
Puzzling comments perhaps, but the Secretary of State was clearer on whether he will be calling an election on the January 19 legal deadline if Stormont is not restored.
"Not on that date no, as I’ve got 12 weeks to reflect on what I need to do."
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