Once upon a time, the reptiles further up the media foodchain rarely left the cosy confines of Belfast in search of views and opinions.

But, since the (hopefully) end of the heavy duty 'troubles', the microphone wielding journos from the Beeb and UTV have been adapting to a radically different news agenda.

Their daily editorial diet, once dominated by murder and mayhem, has become rather more mediocre in recent times. I suppose it's a bit like a furious feast of Gordon Ramsey style frenetics being replaced by a basic Ulster Fry ...

Anyway, in the past month my wisdom has been sought on a number of occasions by my esteemed colleagues from broadcastland. At the substantial risk of being labelled a 'ganch', I've complied with their requests.

Thus we had the easy peasy 'how's business in Ballymena at Christmas' interview ... no probs. I waded in with the immortal line, 'if you can't get what you're after in Ballymena, you won't get it anywhere ...'
Job done. Move on.

Of late, the astounding changes in the political climate in norn iron have been under scrutiny. Cue English-based radio team seeking my views on Ian Paisley (snr) then and Ian Paisley First Minister (now).

So what do you say? Yes, I am amazed at the situation. No, I didn't think I would see such swift movement. No, I don't think we will see wholesale revolt and rebellion against the new guvnors. Yes, there are strident voices in opposition, but in terms of mass movement and resounding clamour ... nope, no sign.

And, of course, Ian Jnr. was, for a week or two, in the eye of the storm.

Mark Davenport, deployed to the sticks from his comfy Stormont studio, interviewed me for the Beeb's politics show last week.

Basic scenario: Beeb wants to know if Ian Jnr is damaged beyond repair by series of controversial issues ranging from Seymour Sweeney's Causeway development to a bit of side-dealing on local issues during the Leeds Castle negotiations.

And - was Ian Jnrs. discomfort a major talking point amongst local people.

The second point was easy ... Ian Jnrs. political career is not, in my opinion, a life or death issue for local people. I've heard more chat about the demise of Vera Duckworth than I've heard about Paisley the Younger.

Of course, the Beeb went and gone and done a vox pop on the streets of Ballymena which will probably result in them finding the six people in this blooming Borough who do have a strong view on the subject. And I'll look like a clampit. C'est la vie.

As for Ian Jnr. being mortally wounded by his exposure to the media glare .. I doubt that very much.

He may have done himself few favours with his initial woffling about his knowledge of Seymour Sweeney, but he can ride out that storm.

As for the side deals ... I can't see the huge numbers of road racing fans in this part of Co. Antrim or further afield being offended by his lobbying for the NW200.

Ian Jnr has most certainly dropped a clanger or two but it would take a lot to convince me that he will not be a political player for some time to come in North Antrim.

Famous last words.