He'll be helped by the fact that Deere is the only supplier with a complete frame assembly common to all its European tractor models, enabling it to reconfigure cheaply for different terrains and climates.

FORBES: Bucking the downtrend

In common with the Northern Ireland Assembly, Belfast City Council uses the D'Hondt system to decide how posts are divided out.

BBC: Belfast City Council votes for rule change

Mr Opik said the Lib-Lab coalition forged last year on common ground with the Labour administration in the assembly would continue, despite the collapse of a pact between the two parties at national level.

BBC: Lib Dems vision for service funding

Michelle McIlveen of the DUP referred to the importance of Strangford as a breeding ground for common and grey seals, and said the assembly should not underestimate the importance of the mussel beds as a filtration system and as a nursery for other species.

BBC: Sustainability of Strangford Lough

"From time to time first minister, when the people of our nation need their politicians to join together, the parties of this assembly are able to unite in a common goal, " she said.

BBC: Leanne Wood calls for unity over public sector wages

Devolving these functions, in which Tory rule has been most irksome to the Scots, to an Edinburgh assembly should do little to disturb Britain's internal common market in goods and services.

ECONOMIST: Devolution: The choice for Scotland and Wales | The

The Common Cause good-government group also seeks a public accounting of Silver and how each Assembly member votes on his leadership.

WSJ: As Lopez resigns, NY Assembly Dems plan reforms

Alun Davies AM supported the party's motion calling on the assembly to recognise the importance of the budget of the European Union for the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and regional funds.

BBC: Plaid Cymru debate on european funding